Until last year, girls at Niles North didn’t have their own golf team. That changed when junior Magdalena Prucnal decided it was time to bring the sport to everyone.
“Anyone can join the team! Just contact the coaches Sanchez ([email protected]) and Granato ([email protected]),” she explained. “Our season started the day before the first day of school.”
Her inspiration came from years of being around the game. “I caddy at Skokie Country Club and would be surrounded by golfers all the time. They always said how great golf is because you can play it forever. My dad taught me the basics, but I wanted to learn more. I thought it was pretty crazy that our school had a boys’ team but not a girls’ one, so I decided to start it up.”
Also, golf has quickly shown its value beyond just swings and putts. “Some values of girls’ golf are integrity, camaraderie, and perseverance,” Magdalena said. “Golf is a mix of an individual sport and a team sport. Your score matters to the whole team, and that helps inspire you to keep going even when it’s tough.”
Head coach Anthony Sanchez agreed, adding, “We want this program to give players more than just golf skills. It’s about teamwork, discipline, and building confidence: things that carry far beyond high school.”
Magdalena also sees golf as a way to grow. “I’ve hit plenty of shots that didn’t go how I wanted, but I learned that if I let that get in my head, I won’t do as well. Golf has taught me how to push forward despite obstacles.”
Not only that, but the game has helped with real-life skills, too. “Some skills I’ve gained from golf are focus, resilience, decision-making, etiquette, communication, and networking,” she said. “No two rounds are the same, so you always have to decide how you want to play your next shot. It’s helped me learn to weigh options better.”
Even though golf can be an expensive sport, the team makes it possible for anyone to play. “The school has clubs you can borrow, and we get to play courses that would normally be very expensive. It’s a great opportunity for people who are new to the sport.”
The season runs from August through late September, with daily practices and matches against other schools. Teams also compete in conference tournaments and, if they qualify, regionals.
With its second season running its course, the girls’ golf team is already proving that it’s more than just a sport: it’s a place to grow, compete, and build something lasting.
