Celebrating the 2025 Girls Golf Season in Polk County
The 2025 girls golf season in Polk County has been nothing short of remarkable. With exceptional talent and competitive spirit on display, female golfers in the area continue to shine on the state stage. The McKeel program, known for its consistent excellence, has demonstrated once again that it can compete with the best, finishing fourth at the FHSAA Class 2A Championships.
Player of the Year: Hannah Castillo
Hannah Castillo
Frostproof, Sophomore
- 9-Hole Average: 36.7
- 18-Hole Average: 73.6
Hannah Castillo has established herself as one of the best golfers in Polk County over recent years. In 2025, she secured first place in the county district, Crutchfield, and achieved a top-10 finish at the state tournament. According to the FHSAA, Castillo ranks as one of the top two players in the area.
Coach of the Year: Jeremy Bohnenstiehl
Jeremy Bohnenstiehl
McKeel
Under Jeremy Bohnenstiehl’s guidance, the McKeel program has thrived, finishing fifth overall in the state—a feat they’ve accomplished four times since 2020. Bohnenstiehl boasts five players from his team who are ranked in the top 20 in Polk County, highlighting the strength and depth of the program.
2025 All-County Girls Golf First Team
Leonie Tavares
McKeel, Sophomore
- 9-Hole Average: 34.8
- 18-Hole Average: 73.2
- Notable finishes: 2nd at the St. Cloud Invitational, 1st at districts, top-10 at Class 2A state tournament.
Georgia Grace Spence
McKeel, Sophomore
- 9-Hole Average: 35.7
- 18-Hole Average: 75.2
- Notable finishes: 1st at St. Cloud Invitational, 2nd at districts, 3rd at regionals.
Caroline DeKalb
McKeel, Senior
- 9-Hole Average: 34.8
- 18-Hole Average: 80.8
- Notable finishes: 6th at St. Cloud, 3rd at districts.
Danica Becker
Winter Haven, Freshman
- 9-Hole Average: 38
- 18-Hole Average: 77.5
- Notable finishes: 1st at districts, 6th in county.
Elizabeth Hall
Lakeland, Junior
- 9-Hole Average: 38.5
- 18-Hole Average: 75.5
- Notable finishes: 2nd in county, 3rd at regionals.
Honorable Mentions
Recognizing other standout players from the season:
- 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
As the 2025 season comes to a close, the contributions of these exceptional athletes and coaches underscore the growing prominence of girls golf in Polk County. With a commitment to excellence and a wealth of talent, the future looks bright for young female golfers in the area.
