Jersey Mike’s Spring Senior Spotlight: Holmdel’s Sophia Taverna

With schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the high school sports season canceled, seniors who play spring sports are missing out on their final athletic opportunities. With that in mind, each week during the spring the Shore Sports Network will feature a senior athlete who would normally be making headlines on the field, diamond, track, golf course, tennis court or volleyball court. Each athlete will receive a $25 Jersey Mike’s gift card as the iconic Jersey Shore business continues its support of Shore Conference athletics.

Name: Sophia Taverna

School: Holmdel High School 

Spring Sport: Girls golf

Bio: Taverna was looking forward to making history as a senior before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the spring high school sports season. The Holmdel standout is a three-time Shore Conference Tournament champion as well as a three-time Shore Conference Player of the Year (Asbury Park Press). Last season, she carded a 77 at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune for her third straight conference title while also leading Holmdel to its third straight team title. Holmdel then finished fifth at the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions as Taverna shot a 79 at Royce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough. Taverna won the 2018 Monmouth County Tournament and finished second during her freshman and sophomore seasons.

Favorite club in your bag and why: “My favorite club in my bag is my sand wedge. Even if I’m not hitting the ball well, I can usually get up and down using this club. Also, there are so many different shots that the sand wedge can be used to hit.”

Home course: Jumping Brook Country Club

Best high school round and where it was shot: 73 at Bey Lea Golf Course in Toms River.

Other sports: none.

College plans: “I will attend the College of Business at Lehigh University, and I’ll be on the women’s golf team (D1).”

How are you staying in shape/practicing your sport: “Since golf courses are now open, I’ve been playing a few times a week.”

Hardest part of being out of school/sports: “I am unable to see my friends and share memories/ experiences with them.”

One positive that has come from having to stay home: “I have been able to work on personal projects and spend more time with my family.”

Favorite stay-at-home activity: “Playing with my dog.”

Coach’s corner: “Sophia is just amazing! Her academic and athletic skills are incredible. It’s a wonder that someone can excel so well at both. Dedicating one’s time to either one is admirable, but to dedicate so much time and effort to her sport and her academics is truly incredible!”

“I was thrilled to become the girls golf coach this year at Holmdel and be able to work with this incredibly talented team of young ladies. Unfortunately, we only were able to practice three times together.” – Kathy Bradley, Holmdel girls golf head coach

Managing editor Bob Badders can be reached at bob.badders@townsquaremedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bob_Badders. Like Shore Sports Network on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest video highlights.