The 2022-2023 Manitou Springs High School’s Girls Golf season has just begun. The first official day of the season is Feb. 27, as head coach, Ken Vecchio, is excited to share his experience and skill with the team.

Vecchio has been teaching girls golf for over two decades and he is ready for this new season to start up. “I am excited to get out on the course on a nice spring day,” Vecchio said.

The girls’ golf key players are state qualifiers Tyler Parratt (12) and Madison Sharon (10), in addition to several other athletes. “It’s usually pretty competitive in the Tri Peaks League, but we still have multiple girls qualify for State over the years,” Vecchio said.

Girls Golf is an individual driven sport which allows for individual goals to be set and gives them room to improve their personal skills. “It’s a very good sport to get into because it’s independent and you could do your own thing, but everybody gets along, creating a great environment,” Ivory Johnson-Ragan (11) said.

Although it’s an individual driven sport, golf has also shown to be a team building sport. The athletes feel bonded and encouraged by seeing each other’s progress and their goals being reached. “The community of it, you’re walking eight to 10 miles with the same girls and you get into some pretty interesting conversations, and make some really nice friends,” Parratt said. 

While winning is the goal for every sport, Vecchio also hopes to install a deeper connection to golf for the girls so that they can learn some life skills and dedication. “It’s a lifetime sport. Even after decades of playing, I can still get it around the golf course,” Vecchio said.

The athletes are excited to spend another season with Vecchio as their coach, as he leaves some great memories and a mark on these girl’s golf skills. “The coaches are my favorite part about being on the team. He’s super cool and funny, and has great stories,” Johnson-Ragan said.

This girls’ golf season will be focused on improving everyone’s individual skills, and the team is excited for the high possibilities coming. “An old golf saying is that the sport either builds character or reveals it,” Vecchio said.