The T.C. Williams golf team is gearing up for a new season, following a new protocol where all those who made it to the tryouts made the team, just in varying levels of participation.

Of the 24 students who came out this year, ranging from eighth-graders on up, 14 students made the team that will compete in the matches, while the rest are on the developmental squad.

Its one team split up into two teams, said coach Dee Marrara, who was last years assistant golf coach and elevated to head coach this year.

Last year the team had many seniors who graduated, leaving the team with some vacancies. Marrara is looking to veterans Robert Purdy, 17, and Matt Kilby, 15, to be key assets in this years golf season. Purdy wants to focus on team unity on both squads. There were some egos last year, Purdy said. He looks forward to working with the younger players on the developmental squad as well. Well have an opportunity to help those kids, he said.

Marisa Vinson, 16, is one of four girls on the team and played last year as well. She is playing along with her brother Ian, 13, and cousins Ariel, 16, and Daniel, 15. Were kind of starting a new thing with the girls, she said. The girls will be part of the regular team, but using the women tees.

Inexperienced
The eighth-graders can still participate in the team activities, but will go to the developmental team this year because they are not allowed to compete on the varsity level. Marrara will look on them to lead the team next year. These are the players that we dont think are match-ready yet, she said.

Marrara has 20 years experience coaching girls softball and basketball. This is her first time coaching a boys team. She is working on becoming a Ladies Pro Golf Association (LPGA) pro teacher at the Mount Vernon Country Club. Her agenda includes the fundamentals of golf, as well as a concentration on etiquette around the course. She is scheduling a PGA pro to come in one day and discuss the rules with the team.

Alexandria native Jim Lewis is the assistant coach. Hes a graduate of the former Parker-Gray High School before T.C. Williams was built.

T.C.s home course is Greendale Golf Course, outside the city on Telegraph Road.

The first match is scheduled for Aug. 27, against South County High School at the Laurel Hills Golf Course.