DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
The South Adams Starfires have some lofty goals for 2026, but they’ll use a very successful 2025 season as a springboard to achieve those ambitions as they welcome in an experienced newcomer to the team for an exciting edition of Starfire golf under coach Chris Toledo.
Last year’s team may have finished third among the three county teams at the Homestead sectional at Chestnut Hills, but they still finished fifth overall and just 11 shots from a regional berth as a team. With the host Spartans, along with Norwell, being head and shoulders above the rest of the field, it’s likely that the three county teams will compete once again for the last spot to advance.
The Stars have one significant advantage in reaching that goal this September. They’ll welcome back a host of experienced players and transfer Londyn Smith to the squad. Smith, who played last year at Adams Central, was the top player in the field who wasn’t wearing a Norwell or Homestead team shirt at sectional that day.
Smith’s play last year at Chestnut Hills would have made her a valuable addition to the Homestead squad and her addition to the Starfires makes them a legitimate threat to achieve some big goals.
“She’s a good athlete,” notes Coach Toledo. “She just loves to play golf and she’s very coachable.”
The junior figures to work her way into the #1 spot after this week when the team plays the first 36 holes of the season.
The Starfires will feature two senior leaders in Sophia Orr and Brooklyn Green. Orr has made vast improvements in her game in the first three years on the team, going from the high 60s as a freshman to carding a 50 on the Front Nine last season at Wabash Valley.
“She gives her very best every round,” said Toledo of Sophia. “She’s improved every year.”
Green had an outstanding Front Nine at last year’s sectional (47) and ended up in the top 16 as an individual with a 101. She’s a player that can put together a score in the low 90s for the team on a good day this year.
“Nicest opponent ever,” noted Toledo. “She always has a decent score and is a great teammate and leader.”
With Smith and the two seniors making up an expected varsity lineup, this preview story for the upcoming season still has not mentioned the Stars’ top scorer at last year’s sectional. Kendall Minger shot a 45 on the Back Nine at Chestnut Hills and finished with a 98 (for a 13th-place finish). A junior, Minger may have the team’s best opportunity to join Smith in those pursuits of scores of 39s and 40s on weeknights.
Toledo noted that Minger will begin the year as the #1.
“She is competitive and hard working. She doesn’t get excited about anything.”
The coach believes that mindset and attitude will be the key advantages the team has in ACAC and sectional play.
“We have the talent to win, but need to improve the hardest distance in golf and that’s the six inches between the ears.”
Toledo will also have Audrey Orr and her little sister, Kathryn, on the squad, giving him three siblings of the seven on the team. Audrey shot 47 on the back at Wabash Valley at one point last season and certainly has the talent to get in the scoring if she gets the chance to play.
“This season will be fun as a coach,” predicts Toledo. “I don’t need to teach the girls the game of golf. They all know how to play. This frees me up to find ways to lower those team scores.”
The Starfires open the high school golf season Tuesday at Cross Creek in the Bellmont Invitational. Follow along with the Starfires all season long on WZBD and WZBD.com.
About the Author
