With the fall sports season coming to an end, many Rosary teams are participating in finals tournaments for their respective sport. From Oct. 21-22, the golf team had their league finals, and one spectacular golfer in particular made the league finals. Varsity golf captain Naomi Pineda ’27 had the special opportunity to play in the golf league finals for the Pacific Coast League at Mile Square Golf Course in Fountain Valley. Despite being in a very competitive league and, thus, competing against very talented golfers (like herself), Pineda crushed it in the finals and had an excellent end to her fall 2025 season. Let’s hear what Pineda has to say about her experience on the golf team this season.
Q: How was your overall experience playing in the golf league finals?
A: It was definitely very nerve-wracking, but I think that by the time that I got through the second or the third hole, I was able to become calmer because I’ve done this so many times, so it wasn’t too serious. It was also very windy that day, and I was nervous because the wind can change the way the ball flies. I liked playing at Mile Square Golf Course because it is a flat course with no hills, and I love flat courses because when you walk, you don’t have to put much effort into walking. This really made a difference because I had to walk 36 holes in total on that day.
Q: Who did you play against in the finals?
A: We played against Portola High School, Irvine High School, Laguna Beach High School and Woodbridge High School.
Q: Was this your first time participating in a finals tournament?
A: This is my second time. I qualified last year, and it was just me, but I didn’t qualify past the first day.
Q: Who were the other Rosary girls in the tournament with you?
A: On the first day of the tournament, it was just me. On the second day, Alayna Votino ’26, who is one of our varsity captains, and Yolanda Cai ’27 joined me.
Q: How long have you been playing golf for?
A: My dad started me in golf when I was four years old, but I have been playing in tournaments since second grade.
Q: What is your favorite part of the game?
A: I think, being able to focus on yourself. Usually in team sports, people rely on you and it can get kind of stressful and intense. In golf, you can take time to think about your next shot. Nobody relies on you to secure the win, and it is very peaceful to be outside in this individual sport.
Q: How was your experience being on the golf team this year? What were some of your favorite moments from the 2025 season?
A: The matches, warming up, putting and even filling up our waters were my favorite parts because everyone had so much fun together, and these experiences bond us. Even if golf is an individual sport, we still have fun together and are able to bond with each other.
Under the leadership of their terrific head coach, Mr. Koscielak, the golf team participated in many fun events this year, such as their Senior Night and their matches, but for Pineda, this will be a very special match that she will remember and will cherish for golf seasons to come. When the golf team picks their clubs back up in fall 2026, make sure to come out and support the golf Royals at their matches!
