Kristin Swindell leads Braden River to win

BRADENTON - Braden River High girls golf coach Jennifer McNally has no issues with sophomore Kristin Swindell training under Champions Academy instructor Tim Sheredy at The Founders Golf Club in Sarasota, instead of practicing with the Pirates.

The reason for McNally's flexibility became apparent during Braden River's match against Bayshore on Thursday at Waterlefe Golf & River Club.

Swindell shot a sparkling 2-under par 34 for nine holes, leading the youthful Pirates to an easy victory.

"It was great to watch her play," said McNally. "Kristin is very supportive of the other players and does a great job telling them things to work on. And her swing is amazing."

Swindell - who won the Class 1A-District 16 title and the Girls 14-and-under Division of the City of Sarasota Junior Championship last season - began working with Sheredy a couple months ago. She believes being in the Champions Academy environment, with such accomplished players as Jessica Korda and Isabelle Lendl, is the key to reaching her goals.

"My short game needs a lot of work, and being here (at the Champions Academy) will make me better," Swindell said. "I know some of the people here have accomplished a lot, but I'm not intimidated. Everyone is really nice and we're able to socialize."

Braden River's only other returning player is sophomore Jessica Sondey. who managed a 57 at Waterlefe. Newcomers include senior Ariana Steltmann, sophomores McKenzie Hanlon and Melissa Malanczuk, and freshmen Alexis Golemo and Katie Booth.

Former playing professional Wendi Golden will serve as McNally's assistant.