Lady Dragon Golf Brings Home Silver at State Championship

Southlake Carroll’s Lady Dragon Golf team delivered an outstanding performance at the UIL Class 6A State Tournament, earning a second-place team finish at the prestigious TPC San Antonio Oaks Course and securing the program’s best finish at state since winning back-to-back championships in 2007 and 2008.

After sitting in fourth place following Day 1 competition, the Lady Dragons surged up the leaderboard with one of the strongest second-day performances in the tournament field. Carroll posted a team score of 303 on Day 2 to climb into silver medal position, finishing just behind Austin Westlake.

“Nerves always play into a big tournament," Lady Dragon Golf Coach Paige Martin said. "It’s hard enough just making it to the state championship, and everyone had nerves on the first day, but they were in the right state of mind to get something done on Day 2.”

Leading the charge for Carroll was junior Gia Ahlowalia, who delivered the best round of the entire tournament on Day 2 with an incredible 68. Ahlowalia finished fifth overall individually with a two-day total of 148 after improving by 12 strokes from her opening round.

Freshman Olivia Neal also made a strong impact in her state tournament debut, finishing second among Carroll golfers and tying for 24th overall with a score of 158. Tyler Burtnett and Aubrie Nolen each tied for 34th place, while Stephanie De Marco rounded out the scoring effort.

The Lady Dragons qualified five golfers for the state tournament, the result of months of preparation and consistency throughout a demanding season.

“With golf, you’re always looking at the preparation that goes into it,” Martin said. “For 34 weeks we’ve been preparing for the state championship. The season is so long, so you have to be diligent and consistent, which is difficult over such a long span.”

Martin, now in her 10th year leading the program alongside co-coach Matt Glenn, said the success reflects the culture and expectations that define Carroll athletics.

“The expectation of excellence teaches players and coaches so many valuable life lessons about preparing, trying to succeed and protecting the tradition,” Martin said. “Being able to influence these players’ lives is something Carroll is able to do better than anywhere else.”

She also emphasized the unique bond built within a sport often viewed as individual-focused.

“To be a Dragon represents something bigger than yourself,” Martin said. “That’s what’s so special about golf, especially team golf. Golf is recognized as an individual sport, but we worked together as a team, and that’s what makes it unique, the way Carroll ISD works together as a team.”

Carroll ISD Board President Cam Bryan praised the Lady Dragons for their remarkable accomplishment and the example they set for Dragon Nation.

“The Lady Dragon Golf team represented Carroll ISD with incredible poise, determination and excellence throughout this season,” Bryan said. “Finishing second in the state at the highest level of Texas high school golf is an extraordinary accomplishment. We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes, Coaches Martin and Glenn, and the entire program for continuing to Protect the Tradition and inspire Dragon Nation.”