A local high school student is making waves on the golf course, recently earning provincial recognition for her standout performance.
Raylee Denton, a Grade 10 student at Hunting Hills High School, secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Alberta Schools' Athletic Association High School Golf Provincial Championship, held in September in Grande Prairie.
"It felt amazing to win bronze," she said. "I knew the competition would be tough since I'm familiar with many of the other players, but I stayed calm and trusted in my skills."
Competing against 72 golfers from Grades 10-12 across Alberta, Raylee earned her spot at provincials by taking first place at zones with a score of 72. In Grande Prairie, she played two rounds, shooting 75-78 to finish third overall.
Matt Tillapaugh, Teacher and Coach at Hunting Hills, couldn't be more proud of Raylee's achievement.
"It's truly remarkable, especially considering she's just in Grade 10," he said. "We're thrilled not only by her success on the course but by the way she represents our school. Watching her navigate the tournament with such poise and determination, always with a smile, has been inspiring. Raylee's work ethic extends beyond golf she's also an outstanding student and leader who contributes in so many ways to our school community."
Raylee's passion for golf runs deep. She fondly recalls riding in golf carts as a young child, occasionally taking swings alongside her parents.
"Golf is in my family's blood," she said. "I was one when a family friend gave me my first plastic golf clubs. By the time I was two, I had my first putter, and at three, my grandparents gave me my first real set of clubs. I've loved it ever since."
At just eight years old, Raylee entered her first Maple Leaf Junior Tournament in Red Deer, and her early talent was clear. "I won the Under-12 girls' Order of Merit for the MJT," she said.
Another highlight was competing in Ontario this summer at the Under-15 National Championships for Golf Canada. "It was an amazing experience," she said.
Other achievements this year include being named a Tier 2 2024 Golf Alberta Athlete, earning two top wins at the Maple Leaf Junior Tournament and an Order of Merit ranking of #7, earning three wins at the Mclennan Ross Alberta Junior Tournament with an Order of Merit ranking of #2. She also finished sixth in provincials at Alberta Springs.
Her current goal? Consistently shooting in the low 70s.
"I love the challenge of pushing for better scores and longer drives," she said. "There are tough days when I shoot in the 80s, but I use those moments to learn, improve, and keep striving to get better. It's what makes the game so rewarding."
Raylee also credits her school for supporting her athletic journey.
"It's been such a help having the support of my teachers and coaches, not only in academics but in golf as well. Being able to pursue my passion while continuing my education has been incredible."
Darwin Roscoe, Principal at Hunting Hills High School, said he is continuously impressed by today's youth, and the incredible skills they display.
"Raylee is an exceptional golfer and an outstanding student. She exemplifies what we strive for at Hunting Hills High School. Her bronze medal illustrates her athletic ability, dedication, and character," he said. "Her ability to balance academic excellence, be a force in our leadership program, and excel in her second language, along with her athletic achievement, is an example for all our students. We're proud of Raylee's accomplishments on the golf course but equally impressed by her leadership and positive influence within our school community. She embodies the spirit of a student-athlete, and we're excited to see what the future holds in her golf and academic pursuits."
