Perseverance pays off

Just walking is difficult when your back is aching.

Sebring senior team captain Camiel White didn't just walk, she played golf, carried her clubs and led the Blue Streaks to the Class 2A-District 9 championship, all while dealing with a balky back.

White, who played varsity golf for four years and averaged a team-low 41 for nine holes, displayed great grit and determination in helping Sebring advance to the regional tournament and making her final year of high school golf successful.

"This year meant a lot to me," said White. "My injury taught me to persevere and to never give up no matter what obstacles are in front of you.

"The pain made me scared to swing hard like I usually do and I lost a lot of yards, but it was important to me to play my senior year and help our team do as well as possible."

For her ability, accomplishments and leadership, White, for the second consecutive year, has been selected as the 2009 Highlands Today All-Heartland Girls Golfer of the Year.

"Camiel is a fierce competitor," said Sebring golf coach Debby McNall. "She was a team leader and even when she couldn't play because of her back, she was at practice helping the other girls.

"She hits it solid off the tee, is mentally strong and was a consistent performer for us."

THE TEAM

Paige Moffat, senior,

Avon Park

Moffat, a four-year varsity starter, averaged 45 for nine holes and the team captain led the Red Devils to the Class 1A-District 13 championship.

"Paige has a great work ethic," said Avon Park golf coach Suzie Gentry. "She was a great example for the other girls to look up to and was a consistent player for us."

Lindsey Lovett, sophomore, Sebring

Lovett, who averaged 44 for nine holes, improved greatly in her second year of varsity competition for the Blue Streaks.

"Lindsey worked hard on her game and has a very nice swing," said McNall. "She honed her game during the summer on the Sertoma Junior Tour and it paid off because she developed an outstanding short game and was one of our most consistent players by the end of the season."

Sarah Hunnicutt, junior, Avon Park

Hunnicutt, a three-year varsity starter, averaged 51 for nine holes to help the Red Devils post an outstanding 13-1 season record.

"Sarah constantly improved and shot a 40 during the season," said Gentry. "She is pretty unflappable and has a lot of potential if she keeps working hard on her game."

Savana Fisher, sophomore, Sebring

Fisher, who averaged 47 for nine holes, improved tremendously over the course of the season.

The Blue Streak linkster carded a team-best 85 and lost in a playoff for medalist honors to help Sebring finish first in the District 9 tournament.

"Savana worked hard on her game all season and came through with her best round at the most important time," McNall said. "She has a good swing and is going to be a key player for us next year."

Angela Bateman, junior, Avon Park

Bateman, in her second year of varsity competition, averaged 50 for nine holes for the Red Devils.

"Angela took some lessons and really came on strong as the season progressed," said Gentry. "She was a steady player, is very coachable and I'm looking forward to seeing her perform next year."

Sarah Liles, freshman,

Sebring

Liles, who has been playing golf for quite a while, averaged 45 for nine holes and was a consistent player for the Blue Streaks.

"Sarah is a very solid player, hits it long and is very mature for a freshman," the Blue Streak coach said. "She has a lot of talent and is going to be a force for us next year."

Katelynn Stoll, junior,

Avon Park

Stoll, who averaged 60 for nine holes, worked hard to improve every aspect of her game to help the Red Devils have a successful season.

"Katelynn hits it long and is working on her accuracy and keeping the ball in play," said Gentry. "She was a team player and is only going to get better."

Brittany Scranton, junior, Avon Park

Scranton, despite her diminutive size, came on strong for the Red Devils during the season.

"Brittany isn't as strong as a lot of the girls," said Gentry. "But she kept the ball in play and developed an outstanding short game.

"She took some lessons will be counted on to contribute in a big way next year."

Lindsey Moffat, freshman, Avon Park

Moffat had a positive impact for the Red Devil team. Moffat, who comes from a golfing family, worked hard to improve her game.

"Lindsey set goals for herself and worked hard to achieve them," Gentry said. "She has been playing golf for a while, understands the game well and is only going to get better."

COACH OF THE YEAR

Sebring first-year coach Debby McNall guided the Blue Streaks to a 33-5 record, the Class 2A-District 9 championship and a fifth-place finish at regionals, while Avon Park's Suzie Gentry led the Red Devils to a 13-1 record, the Class 1A-District 13 title and a sixth-place finish at regionals. For leading their respective squads to such successful seasons, McNall and Gentry have been selected as the Highlands Today Girls Golf Co-Coaches of the Year.