Blythewood Honors Local Golf Talent with Major Awards

Blythewood, SC, August 1, 2025

News Summary

Blythewood celebrates its young golfing stars as Caroline Hawkins is named The State’s Player of the Year. Talented players like Merritt Barbery, Mia Andrade, and others also shine, showcasing exceptional performances in the 2023 season. This season’s highlights indicate a promising future for girls’ golf in the Midlands area.

Blythewood celebrates homegrown talent as junior Caroline Hawkins has been named The State’s Player of the Year, marking a significant achievement in the world of girls’ golf. Hawkins made headlines this season by becoming only the third girl in South Carolina golf history to win three consecutive individual championships, securing the Class 5A Division I championship. This remarkable feat highlights her dominance on the course, which was further evidenced by her 70.4 scoring average and her success in four out of five matches where she was the medalist.

Additionally, junior Merritt Barbery from AC Flora earned the coveted title of Readers’ Choice Player of the Year, reflecting her popularity among fans as well as her impressive performance, including a fifth-place finish at the Class 4A championship.

Several other talented players made significant contributions to their teams this season. Mia Andrade, a senior from Chapin, had a scoring average of 77.3 and was honored as the medalist at the Class 5A Division II Lower State championship. She finished ninth at the 5A Division II state tournament and has committed to play for Western Carolina.

The golf season also saw standout performances from Lakin Atkinson of Camden, who notched a scoring average of 39.8 for nine holes, winning the West Florence Invitational and finishing sixth at the 4A Upper State golf championship. She has committed to Erskine College.

Chapins’ Lilly Reed Black also made strides this season. With a scoring average of 77.4 and as the medalist at the Class 5A Division II state tournament—an achievement marking a first for her school—Black is set to compete at William & Mary after being selected for the prestigious North-South golf matches.

Caitlyn Gaines from River Bluff also made her mark with a scoring average of 78.5, finishing fifth at the 5A Division I championship and earning the title of runner-up at the Upper State championship. She too has signed with Southern Wesleyan and was named to the North-South All-Star golf matches.

Other remarkable players include Charli Heaton, a freshman from River Bluff, with a scoring average of 79.5 and eight top-10 finishes, and Benedicta Pollard from Swansea, another senior with an average of 80, who was all-state for the second consecutive year. Each of these players showcased their skills with consistent performances and significant tournament placements.

This year’s All-Area Girls Golf Team reflects the competitive spirit and skill present in the Midlands golf scene. Young athletes have proven their mettle, even as they prepare for their next challenges in the sport.

Players of the Year and Recognitions

Players recognized this season demonstrate not only significant achievements on the course but also commitment to their future in collegiate golf. Following is a summary of key players and their contributions:

Caroline Hawkins, Blythewood – Player of the Year, 70.4 scoring average, medalist in four of five matches.
Merritt Barbery, AC Flora – Readers’ Choice Player of the Year, finished fifth at Class 4A championship.
Mia Andrade, Chapin – Scoring average of 77.3, committed to Western Carolina.
Lakin Atkinson, Camden – 39.8 scoring average for nine holes, committed to Erskine.
Lilly Reed Black, Chapin – Scoring average of 77.4, first medalist in program history.
Caitlyn Gaines, River Bluff – Scoring average of 78.5, committed to Southern Wesleyan.
Charli Heaton, River Bluff – Scoring average of 79.5, earned all-state honors.
Benedicta Pollard, Swansea – Scoring average of 80, all-state for the second consecutive year.
Taryn Smoak, Lexington – Scoring average of 38.9, all-region honors.
Kylie Smith, Gray Collegiate – Competed at Class 4A state and Lower State championship.

Honorable Mentions

Kinley Brazell, Hammond
Brooke Burgess, Lexington
Rosie Garrett, Spring Valley
Reagan Haggard, Chapin
Lyles Herritage, Lexington
Jameson Keeter, Lugoff-Elgin
Adysen Langdale, Gilbert
Caroline Richardson, Blythewood
Josey Sweat, Camden

Conclusion

The 2023 girls’ golf season in Blythewood and the surrounding Midlands area has been marked by exceptional talent and hard work. As players prepare for future competitions, their achievements this season provide a strong foundation for continued growth and success in the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was named The State’s Player of the Year?

Caroline Hawkins from Blythewood was named The State’s Player of the Year.

What notable records did Caroline Hawkins achieve this season?

Hawkins became only the third girl in state history to win three consecutive individual championships.

Who won the Readers’ Choice Player of the Year?

Merritt Barbery from AC Flora won the Readers’ Choice Player of the Year.

What was Lilly Reed Black’s achievement this season?

Lilly Reed Black became the medalist at the Class 5A Division II state tournament, making history for her program.

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Additional Resources

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