Typically, when a four-time state champion-winning coach steps away from a program, there is a lengthy rebuilding period. It can take time to return to glory.
Yet, that is not the case for the New Canaan High School Girls Golf program.
The girls’ success hasn’t missed a beat since Head Coach Priscilla Schultz stepped down two years ago and was replaced by current Head Coach Bill Brown. Brown is now the coach of both the boys’ and girls’ golf teams, and came to the girls’ side with abundant championship pedigree, having won 10 state championships and six FCIAC championships as the Boys Golf Head Coach. So, it seems fitting that in his second year with the girls Brown capped off a season in which his team went undefeated, winning both the county and state championships.
Brown described the transition to being head coach as “seamless” due to the shared culture that exists within the golf programs.
“Even though we have boys and girls golf teams, we are all a part of New Canaan Golf. We have always been one group supporting each other,” Brown said. “The transition was simple. And I got really lucky because we have such talented players on the team that make me look good.”
And all season long, the girls performed. After an undefeated regular season, the girls took their clubs to Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Fairfield, where they were on a quest to improve upon their second-place finish in last season’s FCIAC championship.
This year, freshman Chloe Cui was the difference. Her score of 79 was the second-best among all golfers, helping New Canaan defeat the four other competing schools. Despite last year’s finish as runner-up, the girls have now won six of the last seven FCIAC championships.
Brown credited the win to the girls’ work ethic.
“We had a really deep team this year and they put in an incredible amount of hard work. I was just along for the ride,” he said. “To see all of their efforts pay off was amazing, and I’m extremely happy for them.”
Next up was the CIAC championship, which presented another opportunity to avenge the previous season’s second-place finish. On June 3, the girls traveled to Tashua Knolls Golf Course in Trumbull with more dreams of touching gold. That day, it was once again the freshman who led the team, as Cui’s 78 placed fourth among all golfers. Sub-90 scores from all six New Canaan players helped the Rams triumph once more, beating out Trumbull by three strokes to win the program’s eighth state championship and complete the perfect season.
“The whole team was ecstatic to win the state championship,” junior Maxie Mirin said. “We performed extremely well in every single match the whole year, and winning the championship was just a summary of the work and dedication that we all put into the sport.”
New Canaan Girls Golf team celebrates their FCIAC championship. Contributed by Bill Brown
In addition to the two championship trophies, the entire team was heavily recognized for its success, with all six starting golfers receiving awards. Chloe Cui, Lauren Livesay, and Maxie Mirin made the All-FCIAC First Team, Amanda Vigano, and Carielle D’Elisa made the All-FCIAC Second Team, and Faith Hobbs made the All-FCIAC Third Team.
The cherry on top of the perfect season was Mirin being named the FCIAC Player of the Year in her first season with the team.
“It’s an incredible honor, and I’m very grateful to win the award,” Mirin said. “It’s an individual award, but I couldn’t have done it without my team. They welcomed me as a new member and were so supportive at every turn throughout the year.”
Asked about the individual accolades, Brown reiterated the talent that every girl on the team possessed.
“I’m very fortunate to be their coach,” he said. “It’s not just that they’re so good at the sport, but they’re also nice kids that know and follow the rules of golf. I’m so happy we won because those girls have put in so much work and deserve everything they get.”
He added: “At the beginning of the year, I thought we had a chance to be a really good team, but I had no idea we were going to go a perfect 14-0. Every accolade and every applause is justified because of their dedication. Every day, they went out and proved they were the best team in the state.”
Congratulations girls! And congrats Coach Brown! #NCPRIDE