Windham varsity golf shows improvement in state championships

By Matt Pascarella

In what was described as one of the nicest days the Class A Maine State Golf Championship has seen in 15 years, Windham High School had two individuals who qualified at the Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro on Friday, Oct. 7 and both were sophomores, Fiona Harmon and Addison Profenno.

Windham sophomore Fiona Harmon watches as her ball soars
through the air toward the tee at Natanis Golf Course in
Vassalboro on Friday, Oct. 7 during the Maine State
Golf Championships. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

Harmon placed third in the competition and shot a 91 on an 18-hole par 72 and Profenno placed eighth and shot a 115.

There were eight girls total who competed in the individual section of the championship. Harmon saw a vast improvement in her game and Profenno was proud to have made it this far.

“My day was good,” said Harmon. “It was one of the most beautiful days I had ever played golf. On the range I was hitting the ball really well; it was fun playing with girls I know from other towns in Maine. I was putting pretty well for a majority of the round, while I was really taking my time reading the greens and lining up my putts.”

On Hole 13, a par three, Harmon hit the ball 8 feet from the flag and birdied – one under par.

"It was like a rollercoaster of emotions,” said Profenno. “Once I started playing though, nerves took over and I had a very frustrating match. I couldn't really focus on what was in front of me and instead thought about previous shots. I was happy when it was over and looking back it was a really great experience. Next year I hope that I am able to enjoy the whole day no matter how I play.”

Profenno was happy her chipping and putting was somewhat on point. She tried to find positives in tough situations and once she gave herself the mindset the worst that she could do was eighth place, she allowed herself to have fun and smile. Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo helped her change her mindset. She says she’s grateful for his support when she’s not playing at her peak.

“Fiona was able to shake off a tough first hole and did a fantastic job of keeping herself in contention right up to her final hole, said Manzo. “Addison had a tough day, but it was also her first experience at playing for a championship which is far different from just a regular season match. She is a competitive kid who I have no doubt will learn from this year and come back looking to redeem herself the next two seasons.”

As Manzo looked back on the season, he said they are still a younger group who really started playing well in the final week of the season. They improved their qualifying score by 16 shots.

Last year, they only sent one player to the state championship and this year they had two. He said Harmon showed she is capable of being a top tier female player in the state. Profenno is a hard worker and very coachable player, who Manzo believes will keep at it. <