Voting Now Open for The State’s High School Girls Golf 2024 Player of the Year!
Hey there, Midlands golf fans! If you are a supporter of high school golf or just love to spot talent on the green, then you’re in for some exciting news. The voting for the 2024 Player of the Year from our local high school girls’ golf teams is officially open! Get ready to make your voice heard because the clock is ticking.
Mark That Calendar!
Make sure to cast your votes by Tuesday, Nov. 19 at noon. That’s right, you only have a limited window to show your support for these talented young athletes. The winner will be revealed on the same day along with the prestigious all-area golf team – a moment these girls have been eagerly awaiting!
A Fun Poll – Not a Scientific One
Now, before you lock in your vote, keep in mind that this poll isn’t scientifically backed; it’s all in good fun! So whether you’ve got a favorite player or just want to help a fellow Midlands resident get recognized, don’t miss your chance to vote!
Meet the Nominees!
Let’s take a deeper look at the amazing nominees who have been making waves on the golf course this season:
Mia Andrade (Chapin)
This talented senior holds a scoring average of 77.3. She claimed the top medal at the Class 5A Division II Lower State championship and finished impressively in ninth place at the 5A Division II state tournament. Mia isn’t just stopping here, she has been selected for the North-South golf matches and is set to continue her game at Western Carolina next year.
Merritt Barbery (AC Flora)
Our second nominee is junior Merritt Barbery, who has made quite a name for herself as an all-state player. She finished fifth at the Class 4A championship and sixth at the 4A Upper State championship. Talk about determination!
Lilly Reed Black (Chapin)
Another Chapin standout, senior Lilly Reed Black, has a scoring average of 77.4. She made history by becoming the medalist at the Class 5A Division II state tournament, a first for her program! Like Mia, Lilly is also selected for the North-South golf matches and will continue her collegiate play at William & Mary.
Caitlyn Gaines (River Bluff)
Senior Caitlyn Gaines is another strong contender with a scoring average of 78.5. She secured a fifth-place finish at the 5A Division I championship and was a runner-up at the Upper State championship. Caitlyn’s future looks bright—she has signed with Southern Wesleyan and is heading to the North-South All-Star golf matches!
Caroline Hawkins (Blythewood)
Caroline is a junior who means business! Winning her third consecutive individual championship in the Class 5A Division I, she boasts a stellar scoring average of 70.4. She’s proven her mettle by medaling in four out of five matches this season—definitely a player to keep your eye on!
Taryn Smoak (Lexington)
Last but certainly not least is junior Taryn Smoak. With six top-10 finishes under her belt this season and a solid scoring average of 38.9 for nine holes, Taryn earned herself all-region honors and finished 13th at the Class 5A Division I championship.
Get Voting!
Now that you know about these incredible nominees, it’s your turn to support your favorites! Head over to the voting page and make your choice heard. Remember, voting ends soon and we can’t wait to see who will be crowned the Player of the Year. Don’t let your favorite golfers miss out on the recognition they deserve!
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
