Late Start Doesn’t Stop Verdugo from Bringing Energy to SMCC Women’s Golf

The world first met Tiger Woods as a two-year-old brandishing a putter with his dad and Bob Hope on the Mike Douglas Show. From that first glimpse, the world knew it was witnessing a golf prodigy and someone who would forever alter the game's landscape. For South Mountain Community College sophomore Miriam Verdugo, the sport's call didn't come until later in her life. Just don't assume her passion isn't as fierce Woods or any other competitor.

As a senior at Desert Vista High School in Ahwatukee, Verdugo joined the girl's golf team and immediately fell in love. She had always been around the game as her father, Roberto, is an avid player, and being part of a team was one of the biggest perks.

"He and I practice all the time, and it is great to spend more time together," Verdugo said. "He's my coach, and I go to him for most of my problems. He is always there helping and teaching."

SMCC men's coach Aaron Puetz recruited her to the school while also serving as the women's team head coach. Chelsea Carroll joined the program early in 2020 as the new head coach and provided instant energy to the squad.

"I love working with her, and she is one of the best people I have ever met," Verdugo said about her second-year coach. "She helps us keep a positive attitude. We have affirmation journals that we use each day, and she has also had us read self-help books. She wants to help us become the best person we can be."

Carroll has been equally impressed.

"Miriam is an amazing student-athlete that strives always to do better," said Carroll. " Seeing her grow as a student-athlete makes me proud to be her coach. She wants to continue her golf career at a university and to compete at Nationals. My job is to prepare her for the next level of  competition, mentally and competitively."

Her favorite part of the game is her long game, and she loves to hit driver. She also has an affinity for the seven iron and her other low irons.

During the pandemic, the team has established a goal for everyone to play at least two rounds of 18 holes per week. Verdugo often plays three and spends four hours at the course every other day, often with teammate Emma Fisher.

"Miriam has stepped up this year as a player and a leader for the team," Carroll added. "I have seen her keep the team motivated for what's to come in the spring. She has improved and put in a lot of work this summer, and it has shown in her scores."

The 2020 season almost didn't happen as the team needed one more player. The addition of Victoria Negrete, a friend from the SMCC women's soccer team, gave the Cougars four starters and allowed them to compete as a team and not just individuals. The team picked up momentum throughout the year and posted a second-place finish at the season-ending Scottsdale CC Women's Invitational.

Individually, Verdugo posted a ninth-place finish at the season-ending Scottsdale CC Women's Invitational, recording a birdie and four pars in the second round. That came on the heels of a 10th-place finish at the Mesa CC Women's Invitational and a 17th-place finish at the Chandler-Gilbert CC Women's Invitational.

Off the course, Verdugo hopes to work with special needs children. She volunteered in special needs classrooms in high school, and she has an interest in pursuing a career in one of their therapy modalities. At SMCC, Verdugo earned 2020 First Team NJCAA All-Academic Student-Athlete honors.

According to Verdugo, one of the biggest perks to being a Cougar is the camaraderie that the team develops throughout the season.

"I love the group dynamic that we have, and we have all become such good friends. We are all very close and spend so much time together," Verdugo said. "After our tournaments, we have team dinners, and I don't think I have ever laughed that much in my life. It is something to look forward to after playing all day."

Verdugo is unlikely to catch any of Woods' attempts at another major tournament victory; she finds watching more than a few holes boring and would rather be out on the links playing. She may be somewhat new to the game, but with her coaches, teammates, and family's continued support, Verdugo hopes to make 2021 a sensational one.