Cover Credit – Jo-Art Photography
Golf season has returned, get your clubs ready in hopes of a better summer on the green. The Golden Flashes teed off for the 2025 season at their home course, West Sayville Golf Club. They’re making their swings count and it’s paying off.
The varsity team is a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and competes in League III. The girls are led by head coach Sean Piotrowski, who is in his first year as varsity coach. Piotrowski spent ten years at the JV level coaching the boys’ and girls’ teams. This season, he’s coached the girls to a 7-0-0 record on the green.
At the varsity level, they compete for up to 9 points. With an eight-player roster, six girls will have their scores counted toward the total while the other two will compete in an exhibition. Six spots are designated, meaning the number one will go up against the other team’s number one, and so forth. Each win is one point, and three points are awarded to the team with the lowest combined strokes.
Maura Rielly and Meghan McMackin are leaders for the team this season, captain and co-captain respectively. They lead by example, their experience with a set of clubs speaks for itself.
“Maura Rielly and Meghan McMackin have been my one and two, they’re almost irreversible, either one can be number one. They’re a good combination together where they kind of feed off each other and work really well together,” said Piotrowski.
Golf isn’t for everyone, but some people get lucky and become good at it. The Golden Flashes have taken advantage of having fresh talent.
“My three and four spots, Ava and Mia Schuttes, they’re sisters, they were both on the team last year but are a little newer to the game. It’s been fun watching them, they’re very dedicated, and they practice a lot on their own. It’s been fun watching them grow both as golfers and individuals,” said Piotrowski.
A spot in the starting lineup is all one can hope for, but to play you have to earn it.
“Our five and six spots have been filled by a mix of Kelly Stewart, Stella White, and Joely Pepe, Kelly and Stella are both freshmen and first-year varsity players. They have both worked very diligently on their games and their improvement is showing. Joely is a senior and was on the team last year. She is a pleasure to have on the team again and I’m very excited for her continued growth,” said Piotrowski.
Three sisters on the same team? Phenomenal! The Schuttes family is proudly represented on the golf course this season.
“Isabella Schuttes is an eighth grader and is a first-year varsity player. Just like her sisters, Ava and Mia, she loves the game of golf. I’m looking forward to having her on the varsity team for many years ahead,” said Piotrowski.
“It’s working on what needs to be addressed, everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and kind of just leaning into both. The mental part of the game is very important, so not getting down when you hit a bad shot or if you’re not driving the ball well that day. Being okay with it but also making sure the other parts of your game are also where they need to be,” Piotrowski told The Messenger.
