The Sedona Red Rock High School varsity golf team teed off their 2025 season at Agave Highlands Golf Course in Cornville with a match against Chino Valley, Holbrook and Camp Verde on Feb. 25, which was followed by a March 4 match against Camp Verde.

This is the program’s second year under Head Coach Joseph Hazlitt.

“We’re looking a lot better this year thanks to our recruiting,” Hazlitt said. “We got at least enough players this year to feel secure about the season. Last year was kind of scary, we were so close to the lower limit since you have four to play.” 

The team had five members in 2024, with Carter Pedersen, Lily Williams, Oliver Paydar and Katrina Le returning for the current season.

“I’d like to get a golf culture at the school, maybe get some excitement around it, and I’m trying to get more kids interested,” Hazlitt said. “A lot of sports in high school when you’re done with high school, you’re not going to be able to play again. Golf is one that you can do throughout your life. So that’s what I’m trying to teach these kids.”

“It’s such a relaxing sport, I want to do a sport, but I want to do something that doesn’t get me anxious,” junior Glenna Barnes, a first-time golfer, said. “My goals are to learn how and get better at what I’m doing.”

Pedersen said his summer plans after graduation will be going to Alaska as a commercial fisherman.

“I’m just trying to enjoy it and have a good season and have fun,” Pedersen said, adding that he was disappointed with his opening performance this season but has been working on improving his putting. “I’ve played almost every week since I started last year, and I’ve just gotten better at the whole game.”

Hazlitt described senior Katrina Le as a highly intellectual and an experienced golfer, although her busy schedule and community commitments often limit her availability.

SRRHS Golf Roster
Glenna Barnes
Matisse Boistelle
Carden Le
Katrina Le
Oliver Paydar
Carter Pedersen
Leonard Vandermast
Lily Williams
Head Coach: Joseph Hazlitt

Le said that she felt more open to playing sports this year and described herself as rested for the golf season.

“My post-grad plans are heading up to Northern Arizona University. I’m hoping to join their honors courses and hoping to get into their [Interdisciplinary Global Programs] to study business,” Le said.

Freshmen Leonard Vandermast and Le’s younger brother Carden Le will be joining the team this year. Both Les are first-generation golfers and took up the sport because of parental encouragement.

Williams said that improving her score from 85 to 52 for nine holes over the last two years was her proudest golf achievement and her goal for 2025 would be to lower her score into the 40s.

“Probably improving my putting is how I’m going to achieve that goal,” Williams said. “But my drives have also really gotten more accurate … others might hit twice as far as me, but they don’t hit straight, so my accuracy is a lot better.” 

“We’re just going to go out and have fun and enjoy what we do and hopefully get better,” Hazlitt said. “And hopefully pick up some new players along the way. I leave it open if anyone wants to join late up to spring break, which is still a couple weeks [away].”

The Scorpions’ first at-home tournament at Oak Creek Country Club will take place on Thursday, March 5, at 2:30 p.m. against Chino Valley and Camp Verde.