Ephrata girls golf program undergoes transition with new coach

BY CASEY DEVINE

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Tigers’ golf program marked the end of an era following last season when head coach Greg Hewitt stepped down after a 23-year career. 

With Hewitt’s departure, school officials decided to realign the program into separate boys and girls teams. Tracy Pickeral, who served as assistant coach for the past three seasons, will now succeed him as head coach of the girls’ team. 

With all the changes leading up to this 2025 season, Pickeral has been busy preparing for her first year as leader of the revised program.

One of her top priorities is increasing student interest in girls golf. The EHS team currently has only seven players, but Pickeral is optimistic the new owners of Lakeview Golf & Country Club -- the team’s home course -- may introduce summer junior golf opportunities. If so, she believes it would be a strong step toward attracting more high school participants.

Currently, Ephrata Middle School does not offer golf as part of its extracurricular athletic program, so students turning out for golf at the high school level are often experiencing competition for the first time. That can be intimidating, Pickeral acknowledged. Cost can also be a barrier, but Pickeral encourages creative solutions, such as purchasing second-hand clubs. 

“I want to meet the player where they are (and) help them build skills and confidence in their game so that they can enjoy the lifelong sport of golf,” she said.  

Pickeral’s main focus to the start this season “is the mental game and how to think our way around the golf course.”

Last year, EHS girls golf finished first in the Central Washington Athletic Conference and this season’s roster is filled with experienced players. Anchoring the Tigers’ team is senior Jayme Dwight, three-time CWAC League Player of the Year and a three-time state qualifier. Dwight tied for second place at the 2024 WIAA State Golf Championship in the 2A girls’ division. 

Other returning standouts include Stella Bayley, Rayn Castillo, and Logan Pickeral.

Coach Pickeral looks forward to building on the legacy created by Hewitt. “We have a very experienced team that knows what they need to do to have successful season,” she said. “They are great at pushing each other to do their best while also being very encouraging.”

Pickeral says the community “can expect great things” from the Ephrata High School girls golf team. “They are a hard-working team with amazing potential. I can’t wait to see them compete!”

To open this season, EHS girls hit the links at Black Rock Creek Golf Course in Sunnyside on Thursday, March 13, for an invitational meet hosted by Grandview High School. Opening tee time is 9 a.m. Along with Ephrata and Grandview, the competition will feature a diverse lineup of schools including squads from Naches Valley, Sedro-Woolley, Zillah, A.C. Davis, Colville, White Swan, Sunnyside, East Valley, and Toppenish.

The Tigers' two home meets come at the end of the 2025 season. They will host back-to-back matches at Lakeview Golf & Country Club – the final league contest on Thursday, May 8, followed by the CWAC 2A District 5 Golf Championship on Monday, May 12.