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Highlands Today

A Consistent Performer

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

Sebring's Camiel White combined a strong work ethic with outstanding ability to lead a young Blue Streak squad to a second-place finish in the Class 2A-District 3 tournament and a spot in the regional tournament in 2008.

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By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: January 1, 2009

SEBRING - No one is going to outwork Sebring's Camiel White.

The junior golfer combined a strong work ethic with outstanding ability to lead a young Blue Streak squad to a second-place finish in the Class 2A-District 3 tournament and a spot in the regional tournament.

White, who is in her third year of varsity competition, averaged a team-low 46 for nine holes during the season and carded a 90 at the district tournament at Bartow Country Club.

"Camiel is a hard worker and a serious student of the game," said first-year Sebring coach Jeff Hendges. "She was consistent during the season and was a good example for the younger girls on the team.

"We were a young team when the season started, but the girls worked hard to improve and were able to reach their goal of qualifying for regionals."

For her ability and accomplishments, White has been selected as Highlands Today's 2008 All-Heartland Girls Golfer of the Year.

"It means a lot to me to win this award," said White. "I remember when Jessica Williams and Courtney Brownell won it and I thought that was so cool.

"I'm humbled by the award because I thought they were really good golfers."

White, who was a member of the 2007 All-Heartland golf team, honed her game on the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour over the summer and her excellent play carried over into the high school season.

"Playing on the Sertoma Tour taught me to just play my game," said White. "I love golf because it's a competition with yourself and nobody else.

"If you do well, it's because of you and if you do badly it's because of you and nobody else."

With a solid nucleus of players returning for next year, White thinks the Blue Streaks have a bright future ahead of them.

"It was great to make it to regionals last year," said the Blue Streak linkster. "We had a lot of young players, but we worked hard to improve and had a lot of heart.

"Make no mistake, if we stay dedicated and keep practicing, we're going to be tough to beat next year."

The Team

Ashleigh Barben, senior, Lake Placid Barben, in her fourth year of varsity competition, led the Green Dragons with a nine-hole average of 50.

"Ashleigh worked hard on her game and was a team leader," said Lake Placid coach Jennifer Miller. "She always gave a good effort."

Paige Moffat, junior, Avon Park Moffat, in her third year of varsity competition, averaged 50 for nine holes.

"Paige had a good summer on the Sertoma Golf Tour and it carried over into the fall," said first-year Red Devil coach Suzie Gentry. "She is a well-rounded player and one of the biggest cheerleaders on the team.

"She is always encouraging the girls and is a team leader."

Courtney Robinson, senior, Avon Park Robinson averaged 54 for nine holes and was a consistent performer for the Red Devils.

"Courtney played varsity for four years, had a lot of experience and was a co-captain," said Gentry. "She worked hard on her game and it paid off with a great season."

Sarah Hunnicutt, sophomore, Avon Park Hunnicutt showed steady improvement over the course of the season and averaged 51 for nine holes.

"Sarah was very consistent and hits the ball long," said Gentry. "She has a lot of potential and should be even better next year."

Priscilla Adams senior, Sebring Adams has been a key contributor to the Blue Streak golf program for the past four years.

Adams averaged 48 for nine holes and led a young squad to a second-place finish at the district tournament with a team-best 89 at Bartow Country Club.

"Priscilla had the experience and ability to be a team leader," said Hendges. "She had a good season and was cool under pressure."

Lindsey Lovett, freshman, Sebring Lovett was a key contributor in her first year of varsity play.

Lovett averaged 51 for nine holes and improved her scoring average over the course of the season.

"Lindsey gained valuable experience over the summer on the Sertoma Tour," said Hendges. "She is very dedicated and is only going to get better."

Honorable Mention

Angela Bateman, sophomore, Avon Park Bateman, in her first year of varsity competition, steadily improved over the course of the season.

"Angela has a good attitude and wants to improve," the Red Devil coach said. "She has a lot of potential and should be much improved next year."

Katelynn Stoll, sophomore, Avon Park Stoll, in her second year of varsity competition, improved her average by five strikes over the course of the season.

"Katelynn is a good athlete, is long off the tee and enjoys the game," Gentry said. "She is very competitive and I hope she comes back out for the team next year."

Coach Of The Year

For guiding a young Avon Park team to a 12-1-1 season record, a third-place finish at the Class 1A-District 16 tournament and a spot in the regionals, Red Devil first-year coach Suzie Gentry has been selected as the Highlands Today's 2008 All-Heartland Girls Golf Coach of the Year.

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlndstoday.com.

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