On April 22nd, energetic cheers filled the Cottonwood Creek Golf Course as the golf team hit a tremendous milestone. 

The golf program made history this month by sending the girl’s team to the UIL State Championship. After placing 3rd at the Region II-6A tournament with a score of 329-322, the team qualified to compete at state. The varsity team members are Thaiz Amezcua, Gracie Heinle, Emily Madeley, Elizabeth Stallons, and Alexa Gonzalez. 

“The experience of first qualifying and then playing in the UIL 6A State Championship was amazing for the girls,” head coach, Stephen Tatum said. “To play in a tournament that has the caliber of talent individually and collectively as teams was a true honor. We have a very strong tradition of female golfers at College Park and these girls are a big part of that.” 

The team travelled to Georgetown, Texas to compete from May 10th-11th. Their Day 1 score was a 318 and on the Day 2 they earned a 322. Overall, they finished the competition with a final score of a 640. Each hole has a total value of 9 points. The top individual finishers for CP were sophomore, Gracie Heinle and senior, Alexa Gonzalez. 

“The environment was intense and competitive. At the same time, everyone was very excited to be there and ready to get out on the course” junior Elizabeth Stallons said. “The extra pressure helped me stay focused and allowed me to make better choices around the course.”

After having their season cut short last year, the team was never able to compete at the District level. This season they placed second to The Woodlands, which allowed them to advance onto Regionals. The competition was tight as the Woodlands edged the team by 33 shots. At Regionals, CP placed 3rd behind The Woodlands and Mansfield. 

“They were a very hard-working group dedicated to getting better each day. We also benefited from the most recent UIL realignment that altered which teams were in Region II” head coach, Stephen Tatum said. “Both of those factors helped us achieve our goal of going to the State Championship.” 

Despite having a lengthy history of sending female athletes to compete at the collegiate level, no CP female team has ever qualified to compete at the State level. Though they did not place, the 20-21 team paved the way for future trips to the State Championship. 4 of the 5 varsity athletes will be returning to compete next season. 

“I am most looking forward to making more memories as a team and representing CP again after such a great season this year. I am so excited to see what we can do as a team next season” sophomore Sydney Jackson said.