Golf Takes a Win

Two stars from Sierra Vista High School made a name for themselves and Vista. These young golfers made it farther in the season than they hoped for.

Nya Palmer, grade nine, came in 14th place for the Southern Nevada regional tournament. She tied 10th place for the Southern Nevada state tournament, as well as making the second team All-League Desert Region and second team 5A All-Southern Nevada.

Palmer gives insight on what it feels like to make the Second Team All-State Honors.

“Honestly I didn’t even know that was a thing but I’m definitely very happy. I’m proud of myself, that I was able to pull it off.” said Palmer.

Palmer also explained how intimidating being a freshman can be, “I was a little scared going in because I was one of the youngest players but overall I knew if I just focused on my game and not the seniors or juniors or girls I knew were better than me, I would be fine.”

She added that although her age factor was challenging, it was something she prepared for. “This year in general, my game has progressed a lot. I put in a lot of work knowing it would be my first season playing high school golf.”

“Going in as a freshman, knowing state was not going to be easy, I wanted to do well. I wanted to make it to state,” Palmer added.

Jayda Sydney, who also plays for SVHS girl’s golf team, made the Honorable Mention Team. In addition, she came in 20th place in the Southern Nevada regional tournament and 20th place in the Southern Nevada state tournament, also, made second team All-League Desert region.

Sierra Vista’s golf coach, Arthur Besser shared his experience of coaching both girls. “I never had to worry about them coming to practice and trying to motivate them.” Coach Besser says that, “as far as coaching these two young ladies, it was not a lot of work for me because they are self-driven.”

“I look forward to coaching Nya, Jayda and the rest of our team in the fall of 2022,” he added.

Sierra Vista is fortunate to have had Besser for the past 11 years now. “I previously coached golf as an assistant during my first tour at Vista during the spring of 2008.” “I have six years of teaching left so that is how long I have left to coach,” states Besser.

Palmer also explained more about her golfing preferences. “I like golfing anywhere really but I love golfing in Idaho.”

“If I can golf alone, I will,” she added. “I’m most relaxed when I am and I get to think more. It’s really where I’m happiest.”

Palmer stated that she is very competitive which is what keeps her driven. She also added that she would like to play at a D1 college with a full ride scholarship for golf.