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Consistently Competitive

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Sebring senior Heather Brownell led the Blue Streaks to a 55-14 regular season record and had a team-best nine-hole average of 40.6.

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: December 28, 2007

SEBRING — She may have a quiet and unassuming demeanor, but don't let that fool you, because Heather Brownell has a competitive desire that burns within her.

The Sebring golfer played varsity for four years and stepped up to the demands of playing at No. 1 as a senior for a very talented Blue Streak squad without missing a beat.

Brownell, who led the team with a nine-hole average of 40.6, led Sebring to an impressive 55-14 record during the season.

The sweet-swinging right-hander then shot a team-best 81 to lead the Blue Streaks to first place in the Class 2A-District 9 tournament.

Brownell capped off her outstanding season with a team-low 83 in the Region 3 tournament.

For her accomplishments and ability, Brownell has been named Highlands Today's 2007 All-Heartland Girls Golfer of the Year.

"Heather was our quiet leader," said Sebring's first-year coach Tom McClurg. "She worked hard on her game and was the most consistent player we had.

"She is very competitive, was a grinder on the course and she never gave up."

Growing up with most of the girls on the team made it easier for Brownell to be herself and still be a leader.

"I've known most of the girls for a long time and we had a pretty close-knit team," said Brownell. "We didn't make it to state, but we had a good season and a lot of fun."

Having McClurg, who founded the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour 13 years ago, take over as coach of the team made for a smooth transition.

"I've known Tom since I was four and that made it easy to play for him," the 17-year-old Blue-Streak standout said. "We didn't make it to state, which was our goal, but winning the districts my senior year meant a lot to me."

Brownell is entertaining thoughts about playing golf for Utah Valley State University after graduation, but isn't quite sure what the future holds for her.

"I really enjoy playing, but I don't know if I want to play college golf," Brownell said. "I've played the sport for most of my life and even if I don't play in college, I will still play for fun."

The Team

u Kayla Dunn, senior, Sebring: Dunn played at No. 2 and had a nine-hole average of 43.6 for nine holes this season.

"Kayla was quiet also, but a real good athlete," McClurg said. "She is long off the tee and is a real competitor."

u Shelby Dressel, junior, Avon Park: Dressel played at No. 1 and averaged 49.3 for the Red Devils. Dressel qualified for regional competition for the third consecutive year.

"Shelby had a good season and led the team by example," said Avon Park coach Andrea Brown. "She is very competitive and has improved each year."

u Julianne Lind, senior, Sebring: Lind played at No. 3 and averaged 44.5 for the Blue Streaks.

"Julianne is long off the tee and loves to compete," said McClurg. "She worked hard to improve her game and never quit."

u Priscilla Adams, junior, Sebring: Adams played at No. 4 and averaged 46.3 for nine holes.

"Priscilla is a natural athlete," said McClurg. "She worked hard on her game and improved more than anybody on the team."

Honorable Mention

u Camiel White, sophomore, Sebring: White played at No. 5 and averaged 48.9.

"Camiel really came on as the season progressed," McClurg said. "She learned to keep the ball in play and has a great future ahead of her."

u Courtney Robinson, junior, Avon Park: Robinson played at No. 2 for the Red Devils and improved as the season progressed. Robinson had the shot of the year by making a hole-in-one at The Bluffs in Arcadia.

"Courtney worked hard to improve and her best golf is ahead of her," Brown said.

u Paige Moffat, sophomore, Avon Park: Moffat played a number of positions and her versatility was a
valuable asset for the Red Devils.

"Paige is still learning the game," Brown said. "If she sticks with it and works on her game, she can make a real contribution to the team next year."

Coach Of The Year

For guiding Sebring to a 55-14 regular season record and winning the Class 2A-District 9 tournament, first-year coach Tom McClurg has been selected Highlands Today's Girls Golf Coach of the Year.

"The girls worked hard to make it a successful season," McClurg said. "We got to travel and spend time together, and I think we all had a lot of fun."

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