MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
The RCHS Golf season is in full swing at LGCC and Sofia Vargas , a 16-yearold sophomore at RCHS , is a team member .
Per Coach David Miller , Golf Coach at RCHS , “ Sofia showed up last year on the first day of golf practice having never played . I could tell she was an athlete , but I had no idea how hard she was willing to work to become a golfer . She loves the game and has a wonderful attitude , and I have never seen anyone outwork her . Sofia is already an excellent putter and driver of the ball . She is scoring in the 80 ’ s , and I can see her moving into the 70 ’ s by next season . She is just a pleasure to coach and is a fine example of what a student athlete should be .”
Speaking of a student athlete , Sofia is also on the RCHS Swim Team , where they won Districts , Regions and then qualified their relays for States , and the RCHS Soccer Team . She has two sisters who play D1 Soccer and two younger siblings who both love to play sports . When it comes to golf , it is always her brothers versus her and they play for big prizes ! Sofia would like to attend a D3 school but hasn ’ t decided which sport yet .
I asked Sofia , “ Why golf ?” She quickly replied , “ We were on a family vacation at Kingsmill in
Williamsburg watching golf , and it seemed like a cool sport .” A couple of days later , her dad bought her some cheap clubs . She credits her Soccer Club and High School Soccer Coach , Sean Harrington , for getting her on the course and showing her course management . Later , Grace Huffman , former RCHS standout golfer , and current Longwood University golfer , gave her a set of clubs .
When asked if she preferred team sports or individual sports , she replied , “ Individual .” She added , “ Golf is more fun , and it ’ s all on you . You can improve more in golf as long as you put in the work .”
Last summer , Sofia started taking private lessons with Scott Frasier , LGCC PGA . Scott , who won the MidAtlantic PGA Sr . Head Pro in 2005 and the Virginia Senior Open Championship in 2006 , is no stranger to hard work on the golf course .
Scott agrees with Coach Miller ’ s assessment of Sofia ’ s work ethic . “ I can give her a onehour lesson , and she practices it for five hours .”
Sofia says Scott is a good coach , and he has helped her to be consistent . He gives her drills on the range , then sends her to play a hole . He gives her one thing to focus on , and a goal by the end of the session . “ Plus ,” she states , “ He loves the game ! It ’ s good to have someone who loves the game and wants me to get better .” Sofia feels every shot is a challenge , every hole is a new hole , and you never stop improving . During the high school season , she practices every day .
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