Social Science teacher Kirk Sharma and English teacher Julianna Salce recently announced that they will be coaching girls’ golf at Hoover next year. They both held an informational meeting during lunch on April 28th in Sharma’s classroom, which contained all the information you need for tryouts and joining the team.
Tryouts were held in room 11322 on 5/7 (May 7). On May 9, the team was announced at Mr. Sharma’s door (room 2202).
In August, practices are held five days a week. From September to October, the team participates in league play. From November to June, the schedule follows an off-season practice routine.
When asked why he wanted to start a girls’ golf team, Sharma said, “To be honest, the sport I’m most passionate about is golf.” He added, “My grandpa is Scottish, so it’s kind of in my blood. He started teaching me about golf when I was only five years old. I want to start a team over the next couple of years and try to build something.”
Sharma also spoke about his experience playing golf as a high school student. “I played varsity golf for three years when I was in high school,” he said. “I deeply love the game, and I want to get more young people into the sport and help them grow.”
Ms. Salce said, “I think it’s a little bit of an unconventional sport, especially for young people, like young women, to play.” Salce added, “And I’m motivated to be a part of it because one, I’m interested in learning how to coach… but then also just to create opportunities for the girls involved to find community and to make friends, but also to learn a new skill that they can use for the rest of their lives.”
Historically, golf is highly associated with elite careers like medicine, law, entertainment and business. U.S. presidents famously spend time on the links. Every Hoover senior should remember Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby and how important golf is to the development of her character in the novel. There are three golf courses in the city of Glendale and at least 65 courses within 20 miles of the city. Hoover students can be sure their golf skills won’t go to waste!
Sharma and Salce are determined to bring Girls Golf to Hoover so the girls at Hoover High can build community, develop lifelong skills, and engage in a sport they love.
