Members of the 2023 Rhea County Middle School team pose with golf ball donated in preseason.(Photo:Gary Bolden)

Coach Chri Wood Brings a Young Team Into Season

3/16/22 - Dayton, TN

Rhea Middle School golf coach Cheri Wood leads a young Rhea Middle School team into the 2023 season. Hunter Gore is the only returning player from last year. In preseason play, Hunter Gore and Zacary Hennessee have been battling for the number 1 spot on the team. Also showing promise are Dylan Henderson and Caleb Chance. The girls' team is full of inexperience and these young players have been working hard to prepare for opening of the season on March 20, 2023, with a home match at Dayton Golf and County Club vs Ocoee Middle and Athens Middle. Coach Wood will have plenty of work to prepare this inexperienced team ready for the season. The team has been very receptive to coaching and volunteer assistants have pitched in with the teaching.

Coach Wood said, "I think Dylan Henderson and Caleb Chance have potential, but we are working to develop that potential. The player, who gets out and practices each aspect of his or her game, will be the player who achieves the most this season."

"My girls' team is full of fresh new faces. If we can't prevent the swings and misses, we have a good chance of competing. Ella and Ashlyn are my two girls you should look for; however, Lilleigh and Anna Sophia are improving daily."

Coach Cheri Wood was born and raised in Cleveland, TN. Her family grew up playing golf together.

Coach Wood talked about her background and motivation to coach, Coach Wood said, "My mom was the club champion at Rolling Hills many years ago. I have worked at many golf courses over the years while pursuing my English and Education degree. I have been coaching basketball for the past 8 years. The past two years, I have taught 8th grade English and coached Girls Basketball at Rhea Middle School."

 "Coaching brings me so much joy. When the position for golf coach opened, I knew my love of coaching and my love of golf would be a good combination. I'm not as confident in my coaching ability with golf as I am in my ability to coach basketball, but I hope I can figure out what works best. My goal for the year is to see improvement in every kid and hopefully give them a love of the game that they can take with them forever!"

2023 Rhea Middle School Golf Roster: