Just two years ago, Sunnyslope added a girls golf team to its myriad of impressive athletic programs.
Vice Principal Jens Erie was the first head coach of the program, and he set a firm foundation for its growth.
“Coach Erie will always have a legacy as being the first coach of the Sunnyslope Girls Golf program,” said Senior Caroline Gibson, who worked alongside Erie to start the team.
Gibson hopes to see this legacy carried on in coming years, and the future is looking bright.
When the team was established two years ago, they had only five golfers, but it is rapidly growing.
They now have nine varsity members and even a few practice players.
Gibson said, “I love seeing how much the program has already grown, and I can’t wait to see what the coming years hold for it.”
The future is looking bright, as Head Girls Golf Coach Nick Vieron is taking over the program for Erie.
Vieron has a thorough background in golfing, which is sure to be of benefit to the developing girls golf team.
“I coached the [Sunnyslope] Boys Team for 4 years. I wanted to be a golf professional. I worked at a course as an Assistant Golf Professional and once thought about becoming a PGA Professional,” said Vieron.
In addition to playing golf himself, Vieron deeply appreciates the coaching portion.
He “enjoy[s] introducing young people to the game and seeing it evolve while they develop not only the skills to become a good golfer, but the mental game to help them overcome the many challenges that not only golf brings, but life itself,” said Vieron.
So, when the opportunity presented itself for Vieron to coach at Sunnyslope, “it seemed to be where I was meant to go this year,” Vieron said.
In addition to his history with Sunnyslope golf, Vieron also has a background in Slope’s academic world.
He worked at Sunnyslope for several years prior to his time spent at other schools in the Glendale Union High School District.
This year, he has returned to Sunnyslope, taking over for Erie both on the golf course and in the classroom as a math teacher.
In the short time since his return to Sunnyslope, Vieron had already made a positive impression.
Senior Maya Yabes said “I really like Coach V. I think he brings a new perspective to the team, and he does a really good job assessing our weaknesses as a team, so we can focus on the things we need to practice. I’m excited to spend this season playing under someone like him.”
Vieron is just as pleased with the group of students he represents.
“I think we are all getting along very well… They are sweet girls,” and “they have a lot of pride in being part of something new that is growing,” said Vieron.
Unfortunately, the season opener on August 25 was cut short by an unexpected monsoon; however, the girls were able to play about half of the holes, and Yabes said, “Our team was doing well before the storm… we were in first.”
The success of the match, along with the interruption, has made them anxious to get back on the green.
Junior Alyse DeLuca said, “The match was going well before the storm. We have a really good team dynamic, so it’s fun to hang out together, and we were playing well. I feel like I’m extra excited for our first full match on Thursday now.”
In addition to Vieron’s new leadership, the coming years hold a depth Sunnyslope Girls Golf has not had before.
With the program only starting two years ago, the same girls have been consistently representing the team, but as the class of 2026 leaves, those who established it will no longer be around.
This will not be an issue though, as underclassmen represent a significant portion of the team this year.
Gibson said, “There was a lot more interest this season than in years prior, and we took a lot of younger girls.”
These young women are being well-mentored, and they plan to keep the program strong even after their current leadership is gone.
“Molly [Lawrence] is one of the strongest leaders on the team. She’s super sweet and funny, but she also works hard and is a supportive teammate. She inspires me to get better and hopefully be a captain when I’m a senior” said Sophomore Lilly Brutsman.
Vieron shares in the girls’ enthusiasm; he is looking forward to “Seeing them improve as well as become closer friends,” said Vieron.
His overall goal for the season though is “To make a lasting, positive impact on these young women that they can take with them long after they graduate,” and Vieron is “excited to help grow the team this year and try and add to the culture of the team, “ which will set a solid foundation for years to come.
