For Centennial boys and girls golf coach Brady Pond, his team’s season can be summed up in a few words: Improvement, dedication, and, well, impressive.

Pond came into this season as a second-year Centennial golf coach, but expanding his role to both the boys and girls teams. Having background of the team’s skillset, it was easy for him to make goals for his players.

“I am one of a few coaches to coach both teams,” Pond said. “This season has been a product of the foundation that was built last year. Most of the boys and girls were freshmen and sophomores last year and had very little varsity golf experience. With that experience from last season, both teams have progressed nicely.”

As for what they hoped to accomplish, Pond said he’s pleased with the progress they’ve made so far.

“Our expectations going into the season were to be more competitive than last year and continue to post lower scores,” Pond said. “Our goal was to make it to the state championships this year and we are very close with the boys and a lot closer this year with the girls than last year. We also set out the goal to have a couple individual qualifiers this year and it looks like we will get a couple. All we ask of the players is to work hard to improve their scores and play the game the right way.”

Their hard work has paid off, with both teams improving significantly since last season. The boys finished second in the district tournament, and the girls finished third in the district.

Individual players and captains have stepped up with their leadership and playing skills, really impressing Pond. Senior captain Riley Brown “has worked tremendously hard in the offseason to improve his game and it has shown this year,” Pond said.

Brown finished second in the Kenny Schall Tournament, and was fifth in both the Mustang Round Up and PUSD District Championships.

Sophomore Kyle Roberts has also caught the eye of his coach, improving his scores throughout the season and now being on the edge for state qualifications.

As for the girls, they are led by junior captain Gloriana Pavey and junior Jayden Gawronski.

“Both girls have put in the work to improve and are very coachable,” Pond said. “They lead the team in most statistical categories.”

Pond also speaks very highly of his athletes beyond the course, noting their high GPAs.  “Our student athletes are leaders in the classroom and in our community,” he said.

As the season comes to a close, Pond and his team are approaching the final week with great anticipation. “The boys head to a top-notch tournament in Flagstaff and the girls close with senior night,” Pond said. “We are giving our final push to finish high in the state.”

The girls play against Boulder Creek at the Riverview Golf Course on Wednesday, while the boys travel to Encanto Golf Course on Thursday to take on South Mountain and Central. Both teams play at 3:30.