An Interview with NHS 2026 Golf Team Head Coach Chris Ladd
How would you describe this year’s boys and girls golf teams? What stands out to you about this group?
I am really looking forward to watching our golfers compete this year. On the boys side, Seniors Jon Klint and Cooper VanDyke are poised to compete for a spot in the Region Tournament. On the girls side, our team as a whole is hoping to qualify for a spot in the Region.
Who are some of the returning players who will play important roles this season?
The boys will lean heavily on our Senior group of Jon Klint, Cooper VanDyke, and Hudson Ranck. I am also hoping to see Juniors Jackson Combs and Cooper Sparkman contribute to our team success this year. The girls return two that made the Region Tournament last year in Senior Rika Arnett and Sophomore Audrey King. They will be instrumental in our success along with contributions from Senior Janie Lee and Juniors Lucy Gilbo and Aubrie Lusso.
Are there any younger or newer golfers who have really impressed you
so far?
Freshman Rhett Sundstrom has been impressive in our early season practices as well as Freshman Janessa Franko on the girls side. Both of these two could end up contributing this year.
What are the biggest goals for the boys team and the girls team this season?
Our goal each year is always to make the Region Tournament as a team, which means finishing in the top 3 in the toughest District in TN. Individually, each of our athletes hope to qualify for the Region as well and have a shot for the State Tournament.
What areas have you seen the most
improvement in from your players since last season?
I feel that our mental toughness has improved since last year in terms of understanding how to navigate the course and how to control our emotions a
little better.
What do you enjoy most about coaching this group of young men
and women?
As a teacher and coach, I enjoy getting to be around young people and playing a small part in their growth as humans. This group in particular has several golfers that have played since their freshman year that will be very hard to see go next season.
Golf requires a lot of individual focus, but the players are also part of a team. How do your golfers support and encourage each other?
Golf is a unique sport in that you are competing as an individual but also as a team. Our golfers do a good job of supporting each other during matches. We have a few team activities as well in which we try to build camaraderie.
As you look ahead to the rest of the season, what are you most excited about for
Nolensville High School golf?
As our school and community continue to grow, I am excited to watch our golf program continue to grow both in number and in competitiveness.
