ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

KAYLEIGH REED

The Dolphins golf team has been dominant in 2010. After a convincing 2009 season that saw Cape Henry earn a TCIS title and a 6th place finish in the state, the Dolphins are a leader in the chase for a second consecutive crown, and the play of this week’s Athlete of the Week, Kayleigh Reed, is a major reason for that success.

The success Kayleigh has had in 2010 is due to the work she has put in to improve her game. Last year Kayleigh shot consistently in the low 80's, but she was never able to get over the hump of breaking 80 regularly. This year has been a different story. Kayleigh is averaging a score of 76.9 through 18 holes, which is good for a place in the top 10 of the TCIS.

“She had the skill to do it last year but not the attitude,” head coach Matt Liebler said of the sophomore. “This year she is finally able to get over that hump because she has changed her mindset. Instead of getting angry at her previous shot she is now able to put it behind her and move on, not wearing her emotions on her sleeve.”

This change in mindset has Kayleigh regularly leading the Dolphins to victory. She has become very consistent with her driver, hitting 77% of fairways, and she is even more consistent with her irons, hitting greens in regulation 81% of the time. On top of those numbers, Kayleigh has made a staggering 24 birdies in nine matches.

“Kayleigh has worked tremendously hard on her game to get to where she is today,” Liebler confirmed. “There is no day that is too cold or wet to keep Kayleigh away from the golf course.”

And that rings true in the offseason as well. Coach Liebler is also the Assistant Golf Professional at The Princess Anne Country Club, and as a result he gets to work with Kayleigh as her swing coach year round. On a rainy day during the offseason Kayleigh called to schedule a lesson for that afternoon, despite the rain. Coach Liebler had the time because all other sane golfers had canceled their appointments. Kayleigh was determined to improve.

“I asked her if she was serious," coach Liebler admitted. “And Kayleigh responded by saying, ‘I'm going to have to some day play in a tournament in the rain and when that day comes I want to be prepared.’ Needless to say I got soaked that day.”

Those long hours of practice have earned Kayleigh three medalist honors this season, and two of those honors came last week against Bishop Sullivan and Greenbrier Christian. Kayleigh scored a 78 in tough, windy conditions against Bishop Sullivan on Tuesday. That 78 helped lead Cape Henry back to the win column after a tough defeat to Walsingham Academy on Monday. She followed that up two days later shooting a career best even par 70 against TCIS rival Greenbrier Christian. The impressive 70 led the Dolphins to their team low score of 302 and another victory, their 8th of the season.

During last week’s three-match span Kayleigh averaged a score of 75 over 18 holes, and the team went 2-1, improving its record to 9-1 overall (7-1 TCIS). The Dolphins currently sit atop the VISAA state polls, and they boast an impressive 14 match winning streak at home.

“Kayleigh has matured and continues to do so,” Liebler finished. “She has such a passion for the game of golf.”

And that passion has proven to be a recipe for success for both Kayleigh and the Dolphins.