By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
Under a heavy sky that threatened rain at every turn, the Tulalip Heritage Hawks stepped onto Battle Creek Golf Course on Thursday, April 2, ready to prove that no condition could shake their resolve. Facing the La Conner Braves, the Hawks embraced the elements and the course alike on a challenging day. Despite the weather, the Hawks stayed composed throughout the match as they took on the course, their opponent, and themselves, putting together solid rounds across the board.
Hopes were high for their fourth match of the season. Early in the season, matches are played over 9 holes, with a transition to 18 holes after spring break. Heritage fielded five competitors as part of a nine-player team comprising eight boys and one girl, with four varsity and five JV players.
Leading the way was tribal member and senior Lilly Jefferson, who competed at the varsity level and won her match with a score of 61. She was joined by sophomore Devin Charles Williams, who shot a 43 on the par-3 course, and freshman Mylo Kane, who carded a 42 on the big course, both earning match wins for the Hawks. Senior Haylen Pierce also contributed with a round of 61, and Junior William Mclean added a solid 52.
In her third season coaching and first year as head ladies coach, Dinesha Kane spoke highly of the team’s growth. “We have a really great team, and I like working with them.”
Dinesha also highlighted sophomore Devin Charles Williams, noting his potential early on. “Devin is determined, he is coachable, and his mind is really strong. He has a lot of talent,” she said.
Devin, a tribal member competing in his first season, said he felt confident going into the day’s match, adding, “I felt pretty good, just a little upset I couldn’t go on the full course.” Despite that, he found success in his play, sharing, “I was able to land the ball on the green in one shot,” noting that “just keeping my clubs straight was what I was doing best out there.”
Fellow tribal member and freshman, Mylo, entered the match with a mix of nerves and familiarity, saying they felt “nervous, but pretty good,” especially having played the course many times before. Their short game proved to be a strength throughout the round, as they explained, “My putting was saving me a bunch. My short game, in general, was helping a lot. I made a 25-foot putt today, which really made me happy.”
One of their standout moments came on hole four, where they said, “I consistently drive, and it fades to the left, but today I was able to create a draw on the ball and came all the way from the right to land in the center of the fairway.” Beyond the physical aspects of the game, Mylo also highlighted growth in their mindset, adding, “My mental game, I’ve struggled with that my entire life, and I still do. But this year it’s getting better.”
Dinesha also emphasized the opportunities available through the sport, especially for female athletes. Every year, hundreds of female golf scholarships go unclaimed, opening doors for players to compete at schools they may not have previously considered. “Lilly and I have been working together. We have gotten her seven scholarship offers, and another coach wants to see her,” Kane shared.
Encouraging her players to expand their horizons through college and new experiences, Dinesha added, “I want all the kids to leave because I think there is value in leaving and understanding, and there is growth that you can’t get at home.”
Lilly carried that momentum into her performance on the course. “I was actually really excited, and I was ready to play. I came to play,” she said, noting she was in a good mood after recently getting her braces removed. That mindset carried onto the course, where she focused on competing against herself, explaining, “I went in with the thought process of it’s me versus the course and not versus the other players.” Her approach paid off, highlighted by a key moment on hole two: “I was able to putt it within 2 inches from about 17 feet from the hole.”
She also emphasized the importance of adaptability in her game, adding, “Knowing how to work through certain shots that aren’t going the way I want them to, and learning what clubs work for me and how to play through it.”
Come cheer for the Heritage Hawks at their upcoming home game. They’ll be playing at Battle Creek Golf Course against Cedar Park Christian/Evangel Classical School on April 14th at 1:00 pm. Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook at Heritage Hawks Golf to stay updated and show your support.