Members of Mira Costa’s girls golf team have demonstrated that they are on the right course when it comes to their high school careers. Although the players may not be tops on the fairway, they can certainly hold their heads high in the hallways of the Manhattan Beach campus.
The team recently learned that it was being awarded a $500 grant from the Women’s Southern California Golf Association Foundation (WSCGA) for accumulating the highest grade point average for schools in the CIF Southern Section with enrollments 1,500 and above.
The Mustang’s team GPA of 3.977 surpassed runner-up Millikan (3.911) and third-place Los Alamitos (3.806). Costa Coach Jim Hands’ squad will join other recipients during an on-field presentation immediately before a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim-Chicago White Sox game on Monday, May 9.
Team members include Megan Kim, Raquel Gordon, Mika Pascual, Kari Gordon, Jenny Johnson, Skylar Ellington, Chari Noddings, Nicole White, Maddy Fredrick, Diane Lee, Chloe Weiss, Sammie Pulido, Maddy White, Katie Ghiselli and Kate Houston.
“It’s truly a great honor and a total team effort,” Hands said. “Coach Tim Kelley and I are very proud of the girls and their accomplishments both on and off the course. They are a very special group. As for our plans for the grant, the girls will have a say — they always have a say — and then we’ll hopefully use it towards the benefit and growth of our team.”
Mira Costa Athletic Director Paula Spence also plans to attend the presentation at Angel Stadium.
“I am extremely proud of the hard work these talented young ladies have put in both on the golf course and in the classroom,” Spence said. “It takes very special individuals and a tremendous amount of dedication to excel in both arenas. I couldn’t be happier for the girls and the coaches.”
St. Margaret’s (3.757), Sage Hill (3.739) and Fairmont Prep (3.707) received grants in the 1,499 and below enrollment category.
The 2010 season marked the seventh consecutive year that the WSCGA has awarded six CIF Southern Section teams a grant in recognition of their academic excellence.
“The Foundation is very pleased to again participate in this event, to support girls’ golf, and to recognize their academic achievements,” said Pat Blalock, WSCGA Executive Director.
There are 581 schools that are members of the CIF Southern Section. ER
