The Gryphon Gazette

By: Claire Z. ’26

The Crystal Girls Golf team has just wrapped up its 4th year as an official varsity group.  Led by coaches Andy Ho and John Fraher, this season was undoubtedly for the books. 

To begin, the notoriously small team had only 4 consistently competing players this year, with 2 girls battling injuries the entire season. While most teams bring 6 players to each match, counting 5 scores, a couple of times, our girls were limited in players and had to take the max score (72 – double par), an extreme disadvantage. Nevertheless, they were resilient by using fun and teamwork to navigate tough competition! 

During both the regular and postseason, each and every player battled through thick and thin, late nights, and unpredictable weather at both practices and events. There was undeniably significant growth, mentally and physically, exhibited by all individuals in the 2025 season. They truly could not have made the Crystal community prouder! The hard work of these student athletes was also exhibited not only by a stellar athletic performance at CCS, but also by being awarded the 2nd best team GPA in all of CCS. 

All in all, the team managed to finish 3rd in the league, with Victoria C. ‘28 and Captain Claire Z ‘26 finishing as co-league players of the year. Furthermore, they had an all time performance by winning WBALs, where Claire Z. also finished 2nd place overall. Moreover, they obtained their 4th team bid, in a row, to play at CCS, where Victoria C. put on a stellar performance and won the entire tournament! 

Now our sophomore phenom did not stop with her decisive victory at Laguna Seca GC. After CCS Victoria played incredibly in a tough field at Norcal qualifying, eventually boosting her into states, where she birdied the last three holes in a row to edge out multiple US national team players and top future collegiate athletes. Not only did she dominate the field in just her 2nd year of highschool golf, but she set multiple school records, including becoming the first CCS and Individual State Champion in Crystal Golf History, and much more. 

Here is what she had to say about her victories: 

“My experience playing on Crystal’s golf team was so special. It was wonderful to be surrounded by such wonderful, thoughtful, creative, and humorous people.”, she claimed humbly. “To be able to share our passion (and sometimes frustration) for golf was amazing. In the post-season, my teammates and coaches were incredibly supportive, and I was so proud to represent them,” she smiled during official interview, “winning felt great, but spending time with my team and support system was the best of all!” What an amazing season, and Victoria has definitely made Crystal proud. 

Other players expressed nothing but satisfactory remarks towards this groundbreaking and exciting season.

Freshman Adele T. ‘29 exclaimed, “I think my freshman golf experience was AMAZING because of the people that supported me and guided me throughout the whole season. I loved our team so much, and I’m so glad we had a smaller group, so I got to get to know each person more personally.” She also comments on a successful athletic season, saying, “I also thought it was super cool that we made it to CCS as a team because I got to experience that ‘team travel sport’ that I would not usually get from individual tournaments”, expressing her excitement in new, eye-opening experiences. “I also loved my captain because she’s super duper cool and I know I will miss her a lot next year,” Adele added with a smile on her face. 

Sophomore Casey L. ‘28 also commented on her personal experience this year, saying, “This particular season of Crystal Girls Golf meant so much to me. The whole team was super supportive and fun, and I made so many new connections and memories with them.” She added on by stating, “I am really proud of how much we all grew, and I am genuinely sad the season is over. Nevertheless, I am so grateful that I got to be part of this group until the end!”

This year was a season filled with fun and growth. The small team of girls cultivated a family-like culture, defined by support, both on and off the course, and endless encouragement. Through this, they thrived not only through setting records in the game of golf and in Crystal athletic books, but equally through bonds with each other. Their journey is not done, and the Crystal Girls Golf program will undeniably continue to dominate as a tight knit, unmovable force for years to come.