The Rosemary Clarke Middle School golf team is wrapping up an exciting and transformative 2025 season under the leadership of Coach Sierra McKillips, who brought both experience and passion to the role. With a roster of 18 players—down from an initial 34 due to some students choosing other sports—the co-ed team has remained active, traveling frequently, competing across Southern Nevada, and embracing both the challenges and triumphs of a longer and more competitive season than ever before.
This year’s schedule saw a major shift from previous seasons. In the past, RCMS golfers participated in just four tournaments. This year, that number jumped to six, including four division events and two large-scale conference tournaments. The team faced tough competition in Division 3, playing against Pinecrest and Cornerstone, with their overall league including ten teams. Coach McKillips noted that many of the competing schools are charter or private schools, and their players often have access to PGA-certified coaches and private lessons, giving them a notable edge. Despite these differences in resources, RCMS players have remained focused, improving steadily and making the most of every opportunity to grow their game.
Among the biggest highlights of the season is 8th grader Brody Myers, who not only proved to be one of the Sharks’ top performers but also earned a coveted spot at the City Championships, to be held at Legacy Golf Course in Las Vegas on May 7. Brody’s consistent scores and hard work throughout the season helped him stand out in a competitive field, and he’ll now represent Rosemary Clarke on one of the region’s biggest stages.
The full RCMS team includes Anthony Aguilar, Zane Bandazian, Jacob De Santiago, Corvin Stalcup, Brayden Holseth, Jerycho Johnson, Michael Mitchell, Teagan Monahan, Zachary Moore, Brody Myers, Conner Nelsen, Jaxx Phillips, Connor Scharf, Jethro Smith, Daniel Smith, Kaelynn Warren, and Ethan Zuniga. Notably, Kaelynn Warren is the team’s only female player this year. McKillips hopes to see more girls join in future seasons.
With a roster heavy on 7th graders, the future is bright for RCMS golf. The younger players are already showing significant progress. Coach McKillips shared that one player who was regularly shooting in the high 50s to 60s last year just logged a new personal best with a 49 this season—a testament to the growth happening across the team. With another year of experience under their belts, these rising players will bring even more competitiveness to next season.
A huge thanks goes to the continuous commitment of my two assistant coaches, Dajon Ancell and Joshua Bender. Without their help, this season would not have been possible. From managing practice drills to keeping players focused during competitions, their energy and encouragement made a lasting impact on the team. They played an essential role in keeping things running smoothly, helping to motivate and support our athletes both on and off the course. Also, thank you to Lakeview Golf Course for supporting our team and graciously hosting weekly practices, providing a consistent space for our players to grow and refine their skills. The season’s success wouldn’t have been possible without community support. Coach McKillips praised Elliott Owens, Golf Pro at Mountain Falls Golf Course, for his unwavering commitment to youth golf. Owens welcomed the middle school and high school teams with open arms, hosting both a division tournament and a full conference event. McKillips noted how much the Las Vegas teams enjoyed playing the Pahrump course, appreciating the challenge it provided and the hospitality they received.
McKillips, herself a product of the Pahrump golf community, brings her story full circle as a former RCMS and PVHS golfer. Introduced to the sport by her father at age three, she grew up on the course, competed in junior tournaments from a young age, and played on the Pahrump Valley High School varsity girls’ team all four years. She even helped the team secure a state title during her freshman year. Her time playing against powerhouse teams like Bishop Gorman at elite courses such as Bear’s Best has given her a deep appreciation for both the competitive and developmental sides of the sport. Now, she’s using that knowledge to guide the next generation of student-athletes in her hometown.
Through weather challenges—including sudden cold fronts, wind, and even rain on tournament days—the team has stayed resilient and supportive of each other. They’ve walked hilly courses like Revere in Henderson, which one parent hilariously described as “not being dramatic” when it comes to elevation. From long walks between holes to pushing their limits on tough terrain, the RCMS golfers have gained far more than scorecards this season—they’ve built character, learned discipline, and discovered the joy of golf.
As the team wraps up its 2025 season, there’s no doubt that Rosemary Clarke’s golfers have made lasting memories and laid a solid foundation for the future. With Coach McKillips at the helm, the program continues to grow—one swing at a time.
