What a year it’s been for girls golf in 2025.
McKeel went all the way to state and placed fourth in the FHSAA Class 2A golf state championships, but this is the norm for McKeel’s program over the last several years. And this year wasn’t that much different when it comes to competitive spirit and sheer talent, and the program features some of the highest rated golfers in the area, including The Ledger’s 2025 Player of the Year.
Player of the Year
Hannah Castillo
Frostproof, sophomore
Averages: 9-hole: 36.7, 18-hole: 73.6
Castillo has been one of the best golfers in Polk County for a few years now. This past year, she was first in district, and Crutchfield-Hawkins. She’s also ranked a top two player in the area according to the FHSAA.
Coach of the Year
Jeremy Bohnenstiehl
McKeel
Bohnenstiehl has been at the forefront of a McKeel dynasty in Polk County. This past year, the program finished fifth overall in state, which is the fourth time since 2020 the program has placed at least in the top five among the best in the state. Also, Bohnenstiehl has five girls on his team who are ranked in the top 20 in the county, according to the FHSAA.
First Team
Leonie Tavares
McKeel, sophomore
Averages: 9 hole: 34.8, 18-hole: 73.2
Tavares had a great season as. She was second overall at the St. Cloud Invitational, first at districts and top 10 at the Class 2A state tournament this past year.
Georgia Grace Spence
McKeel, sophomore
9-hole: 35.7, 18-hole: 75.2
First in St. Cloud Invitational, second in districts, third in regionals
Caroline DeKalb
McKeel, senior
9-hole: 34.8, 18-hole: 80.8
Sixth in St. Cloud, third in district
Danica Becker
Winter Haven, freshman
9-hole: 38, 18-hole: 77.5
First in district, sixth in county
Elizabeth Hall
Lakeland, junior
9-hole: 38.5, 18-hole: 75.5
Second in county, third in regionals
Honorable Mention:
McKeel: Diya Kavalackal, Rachel Rajavich, Ashlyn Ryals, Ciara Smith, Alanna Delgado
Santa Fe: Livi Magnole
Lakeland Christian: Annsley Greene, Taylor Logan, Caroline McKeel, Elizabeth Bently, Caroline Donley
Frostproof: Zoe Hout, Faith Grant, Ava Griffiths, Charlotte Ray
Lake Wales: Kylee Shick, Kiley Proia, Maddie Arthur, Charlotte Ingley
Mulberry: Kenadie Gibson
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Here are The Ledger’s 2025 girls golf all-county players
Reporting by Robert Magobet, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
