Holt Adjusts to New Role for the Team
As a freshman last year, Bexley Holt was a promising newcomer for the Worthington Christian High School girls golf team.
This season, Holt is the only player with varsity experience.
“We’re very grateful she’s back,” Warriors coach Louis So said of Holt. “Even more exciting is that her dad (Andy) will be helping with coaching. That father‑daughter bond is priceless and brings great energy to the team.
“Our goals this year are development, confidence building, and establishing a strong foundation for the future. With a brand‑new roster, the key will be patience, repetition, and helping each girl grow at her own pace.”
Worthington Christian is used to having a small roster. Last season, the Warriors finished with a 3-25 record, forfeiting several matches because of roster limitations. The team shot a 488 and placed sixth out of 10 teams in the Division II Central District sectional tournament at Blacklick Woods Golf Course. The top three teams, Central Buckeye League foe Columbus School for Girls (341), Heath (363), and Newark Catholic (372), all advanced to the district tournament.
Milli DeVenne tied Bishop Ready’s Jenna Wolf for 12th with a 95, and Annabelle Cisler tied Johnstown’s Caylin Cox for 25th with a 116. Senior Jillian Zollars (35th, 129), Holt (48th, 148), and junior Hoyeon Kang (49th, 152) rounded out the team’s finishers.
“One of the biggest highlights was our postseason match, where the team really came together and posted their lowest score of the year,” So said. “Finishing sixth and not advancing was disappointing, but I reminded the girls that results are just a point in time. Life doesn’t end at one finish line; golf teaches us that.”
The sectional tournament was the last tournament for DeVenne, a four-year letterwinner, and Cisler, who only played one season.
“We were grateful to see Milli wrap up her four years by leading a very young team with grace,” So said. “She stepped up as a natural servant leader, guiding a very young group. Even though she joined for just one year, Annabelle brought stability through her work ethic and positive attitude. We only wish she had joined the program earlier.
“With a small roster, the girls had to learn a new team dynamic. Despite the challenges, the girls formed strong friendships and bonded on the course. The support from parents was tremendous, helping turn difficult moments into a family‑like environment.”
When Zollars and Kang didn’t return to the team, that roster became even smaller. Worthington Christian added sophomore Vivi Humphrey and freshman Danielle Fry and is currently seeking additional players to field a complete team.
“We are truly starting fresh this season,” So said. “With such a small team, we’re focusing on shared leadership and encouraging each girl to take ownership of her development.”
Humphrey played for the middle school’s coed golf team for two years before playing softball and tennis as a freshman. Fry previously played softball and ran cross country at the middle school.
“In the short time we’ve worked with Vivi, she has shown she is very teachable and brings a strong, joyful attitude,” So said. “That has already proven valuable on the golf course. Danielle’s athletic background, especially in softball, will translate well to golf. We haven’t worked with her a lot, but we’re excited to continue working with her and getting to know her.”
The threesome will be challenged by the rugged competition in the Central Buckeye League. Columbus Academy (298) and Columbus School for Girls (361) were the top two finishers at the district tournament, but only the Vikings advanced to the state tournament.
The Vikings then shot a 317 to defeat Madeira (327) to win their fourth consecutive state title. Academy returns four of its top five golfers, including senior Eva Lim, who was the Division II state medalist the last two years. CSG, the district runner-up to the Vikings the last three seasons, returns all five golfers from last year.
“Playing against high school teams like Bexley, Academy, and CSG is always valuable,” So said. “Golf is a mental game, and competing with players at different levels teaches our girls how to stay focused and composed. It’s challenging, but it also builds character.
“Golf is a life lesson. Every hole is a season. You may have a birdie or a bad lie, but keep your eyes on Christ. He is at the final hole, and He walks with us through every step. I always remind the girls that making friends is just as important. You never know how your kindness might impact someone’s life.”
And you never know when you may have to lead the team.