Finalists for the 2025 Babe Zaharias High School Junior Golf Awards have been announced and the top high school golfers, underclassmen, and coaches from Southeast Texas for the 2024-25 school year will be honored at the 15th annual Babe Zaharias High School Junior Golf Awards during a private ceremony Tuesday, May 20, at 5 Under Golf.
The awards banquet, headlined by sponsor Wells Fargo Advisors and supported by the Astros Golf Foundation and Trecora, features guest speaker Brad McMakin – head men’s golf coach at the University of Arkansas and former Lamar University head golf coach. A Beaumont native and proud alumnus of Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, McMakin is celebrated for his achievements in collegiate golf and his dedication to developing young athletes.
“Brad is not just a coach – he’s a builder of men and a cultivator of champions,” said Austin Williams, Babe Zaharias Foundation board member. “I had the privilege of playing under Coach McMakin at Lamar and serving as his graduate assistant. Watching so many of our teammates reach the PGA Tour and other professional tours is a testament to the foundation he laid. We are incredibly proud to welcome him back to inspire the next generation.
“Hosting distinguished figures like Brian White, Giles Kibbe and Chris Stroud (PGA pro golfer and PN-G High School, Lamar alum) as keynote speakers in previous years adds a special touch. It’s truly inspiring for the young athletes and everyone involved.”
2025 Award Finalists:
Girls Player of the Year
Tatum Bean – PNG
Cassie Grizzaffi – LCM
Peyton Hidalgo – Hardin-Jefferson
Girls Underclassman Player of the Year
Peyton Barnes – West Brook
Aubrey Carpenter – Bridge City
Grace Dai – Monsignor Kelly Catholic
Girls Character Award
Ava Borne – PN-G
Reece Molina – Bridge City
Jordyn Rucker – Orangefield
Girls Underclassman Character Award
Kinley Jones – LCM
Savannah Murdock – Bridge City
Boys Player of the Year
Drake Andrepont – Hardin-Jefferson
Lincoln Parks – Orangefield
Julian Mathews – Monsignor Kelly Catholic
Reece Williams – Monsignor Kelly Catholic
Boys Underclassman Player of the Year
Foster Cecka – Port Neches Groves
Skylyn Fisher – Monsignor Kelly Catholic
Reece Williams – Monsignor Kelly Catholic
Boys Character Award
Robert Barron – Nederland
Julian Mathews – Monsignor Kelly Catholic
Cooper Travis – Hardin-Jefferson
Boys Underclassman Character Award
Foster Cecka – PNG
Lucian Mazzola – Monsignor Kelly Catholic
Coaching Awards
Girls Coach of the Year: Ray Weaver
Boys Coach of the Year: Darrell Westfall