After inclement weather and poor course conditions hampered the early season, Keys golfers quickly rebounded and made it a season of memorable matches. Each week, the teams took turns playing one another’s home courses. They enjoyed friendly rivalries in a sport where players helped one another with advice, tips and, most importantly, support not seen in most sports. Despite the color of an athlete’s polo, golfers can count on one another for a camaraderie that sets a foundation for success. This season, Marathon and Key West took turns in the lead in the boys competitions while the Lady Conchs ruled in girls play. Marathon and Coral Shores made history by sending their first golfers to regionals, and Basilica School made a midseason appearance to lay the groundwork for 2026.
GIRLS
Player of the Year
Claudia Steling
Senior, Key West
Conch senior Claudia Steling’s intangibles played as crucial a role as her skills in the team’s success this season. “Claudia brought leadership, confidence and a lot of fun to the course every day. She led from the front and really showed the girls team what it takes to succeed at this level,” said Josh Bassett, Key West’s head coach. Steling’s proficiency on the course carried the team much of the season, and a fantastic showing at districts led to an at-large spot at regionals, making her just the second female golfer in the team’s history to make an appearance at that level.
Lexi Finigan
Junior, Key West
Key West’s Lexi Finigan won multiple matches this season, demonstrating her skills at the game. Her demeanor and positive leadership made an equal contribution to the Conchs. Finigan plays with confidence and manages to stay strong in the face of adversity, and her teammates can count on her to be their biggest fan even when a match is not going her way.
Mary Alice Davila
Freshman, Key West
Just a freshman, Key West’s Mary Alice Davila has already proven she has what it takes to win. Her natural ability coupled with a strong desire to improve make her a force to be reckoned with in the next three seasons with the Conchs.
Justice Lee Isom
Senior, Marathon
In just her second season of playing golf, Marathon senior Justice Lee Isom showed she was as adept at swinging the irons as she is at pumping iron. Lee Isom had multiple strong showings this year, with the highlight being shooting her first birdie as she improved steadily throughout the season.
Valerie Gabriel
Sophomore, Coral Shores
In her first season with the Hurricanes’ golf team, sophomore Valerie Gabriel showed she has exactly the right attitude to excel in the game. Gabriel’s strong work ethic, dedication to improvement and positive attitude gave her an advantage as a golfer, and her improvement was notable as the season went on.
BOYS
Player of the Year
Scout Oliver
Freshman, Coral Shores
In his first season with the Hurricanes, freshman Scout Oliver made history. Oliver’s play at districts earned him a spot at regionals, making him the first Coral Shores golfer to do so. Praised for his willingness to offer guidance to teammates, Oliver’s contributions go beyond his golf skills. “He consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship and leadership while representing his school with excellence throughout the season,” said coach Danielle Thomas of her freshman phenom.
Geo Twyman
Junior, Key West
Conchs senior Geo Twyman was in the running every time he teed off this season. Described as the team’s most consistent player, Twyman finished the season with a solid 79 at districts, setting the stage for a strong senior season.
Mason Titensor
Sophomore, Key West
Key West’s Mason Titensor played the game with the maturity of a more seasoned golfer. His offseason work coupled with what his coach describes as exceptional leadership make Titensor one to watch in 2026.
Jakub Krytinar
Sophomore, Key West
In his inaugural season with the Conchs, sophomore Jakub Krytinar showed he has what it takes to compete by winning multiple matches and rounding out his first season with an 81 at districts.
Brock Bynum
Senior, Coral Shores
Hurricane senior Brock Bynum has anchored his team for the past four years. Bynum’s competitiveness and coachability made him invaluable for Coral Shores, and his ability to fine-tune his game made him a solid contributor for his entire high school career.
Roco Piscetello
Junior, Marathon
Consistently Marathon’s top-seeded athlete, Piscetello narrowly missed a round at regionals via a tiebreaker. Piscetello took seven first-place victories for the team and averaged 40 in the nine-hole competition this season.
Emmett Merryman
Freshman, Marathon
Freshman Emmett Merryman averaged 41 strokes this season, making him a threat every time he took to the greens. Merryman secured his spot in Marathon’s record books by becoming the first golfer in school history to qualify for regionals after shooting an 83 at districts.
Max Childress
Senior, Marathon
Praised for his leadership and marked improvement, senior Max Childress helped the team break its team-low record, then re-break it several times this season. The senior athlete pulled off a regular-season win and showed maturity and drive throughout his time with the Fins.
Photos by Natalie Danko, Doug Finger and contributed images
