Even though the Wapahani girls’ golf team reached the Lapel regional in 2023, it wasn’t enough for the Raiders.
“We talked to the girls last year at the end of the season,” Wapahani head coach Brad Miller said. “We knew we were going to have most of them back. It was like ‘If you like where we ended this year, let's kind of stay hungry and see if we can kind of repeat the performance this year.”
Throughout the summer, the team took that idea to heart and worked extensively to improve their game. The hunger for success was at a high level.
Weeks into the season, that attitude and eagerness have earned them an undefeated record with eight straight wins and the program’s first Delaware County championship.
“We've just blown it out of the water,” Raiders lone senior Delaney Dodd said. “We've been a great, solid team this year and it's just super exciting to see.”
Last season, Dodd was not impressed with her results. To have success in her final season to go well, multiple things throughout her game had to change.
“My mental game kind of ruined my game [last season],” she said. “I got in my own head and I knew that this year I had to change that. I knew no one could help me with that and I had to fix it. So that's been my big thing this year and understanding once I hit the shot, I can't control it.”
While Dodd focused on her own game, Miller watched her become the leader the team needed. From being encouraging off the course and delivering good scores, she was the extra push the program needed.
“[Dodd] has kind of been at the forefront,” he said. “She’s done a great job and leads by example.”
Before teeing off at Muncie Elks Golf Course Saturday, Aug. 17, the Raiders knew the outing they were looking for in the county tournament.
“We have a couple of checkpoints of the season,” Miller said. “The county [tournament] was one of our checkboxes this year that we wanted to try to win.”
After 18 holes, the Raiders’ goal became a reality as the team fired a 392, earning their first county title in program history. Dodd – who was also the individual champion and earned all-county honors – led Wapahani with an 89 while junior Kenzi Brannon – who also received all-county honors – followed with a 91.
Though the team wanted to win the title, the effect of winning it was even more important.
“It definitely gave us a big boost of confidence,” Dodd said. “That was something we needed and it’s a good push for us to keep going. We know we're a good, strong team and we can definitely make it to regionals.”
While the Raiders enjoy the success and good play they've experienced to start the campaign, there is no plan to slow down. Other checkboxes the team has included the Mid-Eastern Conference, sectionals and making regionals once more.
“As long as we all continue to play our game and play for ourselves, I think we have a good shot at making it to regionals and doing really good this season with our matches,” Dodd said.
The Raiders will next play Saturday, Aug. 24 in the Monroe Central Invite at Hickory Hills Golf Course. The event will start at 2 p.m.
Contact Zach Carter at zachary.carter@bsu.edu or on X at @ZachCarter85.
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