Camden Prep High School tees up opportunity with new varsity golf program

Camden Prep High School students loaded their golf balls into their trays, grabbed their clubs, and prepared to practice their swings at the Rancocas Golf Club driving range in Willingboro.

Freshman Geovani Garriga stood at the farthest bay, struggling to connect with the ball, as coach Walvis Abreu walked him through swinging fundamentals. Despite the challenges of the sport, Garriga embraced the time on the course.

“It’s calming,” said Garriga, 16. “If you ever have stress or are worried about something, it’s like, you just have that bit of peace.”

That newfound peace is all thanks to a golf program launched in April by Camden Prep, a public high school operated by Uncommon Schools that opened in 2020. The team started as a club in October with Abreau, the dean of students, leading the project.

Abreau has been golfing for five years. And after learning the social and physical benefits of the sport, he wanted students at Camden Prep to have access to it.

“I really liked some of the lessons that I’ve learned on the golf course,” Abreau said. “Patience, being able to problem-solve, that’s something I’m able to share with my students. They are life lessons that they’re able to take outside of the course into the classroom and employment opportunities.”

Before starting, Abreau gauged interest from his students and even brought his own simulator for them to practice on. Months later, an official team was established — making it the first varsity golf team ever at the school but in Camden. in Camden’s history.

“I noticed that the city of Camden, in its 198-year history, has never had a varsity golf program,” Abreau said. “And I really thought that was a cool angle to get these kids more engaged and really wanted them to be part of something bigger than them.”

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The team meets once or twice every week for practice at the Camden County driving range, the PGA Superstore in Cherry Hill, or their home course at Rancocas Golf Club.

“Walvis Abreau contacted us very early in the season,” said Brad Kay, the Rancocas Golf Club general manager. “He was looking for a place to practice. It’s very rare that you get a good opportunity like this to grow the game. So, that was one of the things that we’ve been wanting to do.”

The team currently has seven members. The program aims to increase access to the sport, especially for students in urban communities.

“Just because we don’t see people like ourselves in the sport doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be in the sport or that we shouldn’t be included in spaces like this,” Abreau said. “We can enter into new uncharted territories like this.”

Senior Jah’sir Santiago received an academic scholarship to attend Holy Cross next year. Before joining the Camden Prep team, the only time he touched a golf club was at a Top Golf. He credits being on the team with learning life skills to take into college as he pursues a career in sales.

“[I’ve learned] humility,” Santiago said. “Like, being able to learn, being coachable. Also patience. I don’t know if you heard the term ‘Deals are made on the golf course.’ I plan on going into sales. And when you’re closing deals, you don’t want to rush it. You don’t want to have your client feel like they’re being rushed or urged to buy.

“You kind of just want to be personal with them. And I feel like that blends a lot with golf because you take your time to learn. You can’t rush it.”

After just the one year with the program, he plans to join Holy Cross’ club team.

“I really just want like-minded individuals to have fun,” Santiago said. “Because I know with golf, it’s one of those really tough sports for some people. Especially for myself, because I’m really hard on myself if I can’t get it perfect. And I want others to learn from my mistakes and make sure that you just have fun with it and try not to judge yourselves too harshly.”

For freshman Alma Chino, one of two girls on the team, she hopes to see more young women join.

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“Golf is a male-dominated sport, but I believe women could do it,” said Chino, 15. “We do a lot of things men can’t do. But, it’s all about being connected, No one should be dismayed from a sport or anything in general. So, I would love to have more women join the golf team.”

Chino hadn’t golfed before joining the team — unless you count swinging the toy clubs at Target. But when she found out the school was starting a team, she decided to make the leap.

“It’s honestly a really big step,” Chino said. “This isn’t something I would normally go for because I normally play volleyball. But this is making a pretty big impact already. [I wanted to do this] to connect with more peers.

“I used to not be so open. I used to be all about myself, no one else. And this, honestly, has made me connect with people. And I’m a nature person. I love being outside.”

In its first year competing, the team was winless in four matches. However, Chino isn’t focused on the win column just yet. As a new program, making history in the city of Camden, they’ve already made a monumental step forward.

“We’re going to have games from time to time where not everyone is going to win,” Chino said. “But if you think about it, you’re a winner in your own way.”