The Hoover Boys and Girls Golf teams both had historically great seasons this year. They were both able to capture the Federal League and Stark County Championships. The teams were headlined by the boys winning Sectionals and the girls making it to the State Championship. They both had record-breaking rounds en route to these accomplishments. These seasons were made possible by a team effort led by strong senior leadership and excellent play by all other players.
The boys golf team had an incredible season, which was capped off by winning the Sectional Championship. The success of this team wouldn’t have been possible without the standout performance of Hoover senior Daniel Gambone.
“My overall performance definitely exceeded my expectations this year and I couldn’t be happier with my efforts,” Gambone said. “I left every shot out there on the course and gave it my all for the team and the results came naturally.”
Gambone goes on to talk about some of the statistical reasons why the season was so successful.
“Our team breaking the 18-hole record with a 291 at our first tournament of the year [and] me tying the 18-hole school record three times at 69,” he said.
Hoover Golf has a lasting impact on its athletes not only on the course but off too.
“The group of guys I practiced with every day made it so enjoyable,” Gambone said. “Being a part of the program and this team means the entire world to me and is a big reason for who I am as a person today.”
When asked about the challenges the team faced, Boys and Girls Hoover Golf head coach, Scott Snyder, knew that the pressure could possibly get to the boys.
“The biggest challenge for the year—especially as it progressed—was the pressure they faced to live up to all the expectations,” Snyder said. “A lot of people knew the boys’ team was pretty good and therefore expected so much of them. However, the boys were able to handle this and did a good job facing adversity.”
The boys this year dealt with a lot of high expectations but were able to live up to them and perform at a high level.
“No doubt last season set the table for this season,” he said. “Players were able to mature in their abilities and this helped tremendously this season. They realized last year they could compete, so this year they went out and did it.”
The Hoover Girls Golf team once again had a record-breaking season making it to the State Tournament as a team for the third year in a row. Senior Kylie Porter played an important role in making this possible with her improvements this year.
“I feel like all the hard work I have put in over the last several years was showing with my scores. We also had a very strong team performance this year with probably the most talented team in Hoover history,” Porter said.
There were many highlights during the incredible season but one stood out the most to Porter.
“The most memorable moment was the team breaking the 18-hole record at the Federal League Post-Season Tournament [with a 303],” she said.
Another key to success this season was how strong the bond between the girls was.
“The team was really close this year,” Porter said. “That meant the world to me because I felt like we were able to support each other.”
The Hoover Girls Golf program advanced immensely in their talents to the success of this season led by Scott Snyder.
“The entire team improved so much and it showed not only in the varsity, but the JV as well,” Snyder said. “Our knowledge, ability, and maturity were so good and that helped propel us to everything we did and accomplished.”
One challenge for the girls this season was playing within themselves and keeping steady heads.
“The biggest challenge for the season was to stay focused and to not press so much. We had to keep everybody tempered so that they didn’t stress and try to do too much.”
The season for the girls came with the expectation of making it to the State Championship and with that came confidence.
“This year was all about slow improvement and staying on the course. We felt pretty good every time we teed it up, and just wanted to play within ourselves. We felt strongly we would qualify for the State Championships, so we just wanted to enjoy all that we did and accomplished.”
The boys’ and girls’ seasons both started out with high expectations and a high desire to perform well. They each had many amazing and unforgettable moments throughout the year including breaking many records. Through the help of Scott Snyder and different players on the girls’ and boys’ side they were able to have a very successful season including lots of wins. The Hoover Golf teams continue to be an area of excellence for North Canton athletics.
