The Noblesville girls golf team finished as state runner-up for the second consecutive year at the IHSAA state finals, which took place Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 4 at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. It’s also the third consecutive podium finish for the Millers. (Photo provided)
Noblesville reaches podium for third consecutive year
By RICHIE HALL
CARMEL – The Noblesville girls golf team continued its podium streak Saturday, Oct. 4 at the IHSAA girls golf state finals.
The Millers were runners-up again at state, which took place at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. For the second consecutive year, Noblesville finished behind Zionsville. The Eagles won with a two-day, 36-hole score of 607, while the Millers scored 629.
“We gave it our best shot,” said Millers coach Justin Werkley. “All credit to Zionsville. They were the best team all year and they proved it these last couple days. They played great.”
Senior Josie Kelley led the way, placing fourth individually. The Eastern Kentucky commit finished with a score of 147. Kelley totaled two under par 70 on the first day of the tournament; she made an eagle on hole No. 7. Kelley scored 77 on the second day. She made five birdies during the state meet and was named to the All-State team at the conclusion of the meet.
“She’s been a rock,” said Werkley. “Just as steady as can be and a great leader, and we’re going to miss her.”
Kelley will take many fond memories of playing high school golf. She said that the actual golf part is “such a small aspect of high school golf.”
“I think so much of it is the people that you meet,” said Kelley. “I’ve made so many friends, not even just the Noblesville team. One of my best friends, (Franklin senior) Addi Bright, she finished top 10 today. (Individual champion) Taylor Snively, I’m incredibly proud of her. I started crying when she hugged me on the green after we got done. High school golf is so much more than just the golf. It’s the people you meet.”
Peyton Kauzlick, another senior, tied for 15th place by scoring 155. Kauzlick finished with two birdies at the meet. She was named to the Academic All-State team at the conclusion of the meet.
All five Millers players made at least one birdie at Prairie View. In addition to Fowler and Kauzlick, senior Olivia Fowler had three, senior Presley White drained two and sophomore Lauren Turpin had one.
“We have a lot of depth and a lot of talent,” said Werkley. “I think our program’s in a really healthy spot.”
Noblesville placed fourth at state in 2023, the year its podium streak began. The Millers have qualified for state 29 times and finished in the top four 20 of those times.
