By DAVID WOOD, for The Democrat
Choking back tears, senior Ashley Masteller struggled through the final hole in the Sept. 12 match against Edinburgh.
The pent-up emotion finally came to a head on the green, where she burst into sobs before collecting herself and sinking her last putt.
The Eagles won by a 35-stroke margin; what would normally be a cause for celebration had become bittersweet. It was the final home and regular season match of Masteller’s high school career.
“It’s just crazy, growing up here and thinking this is my last game at home,” she said.
“I went out there and I had fun, so that’s all you can really ask for. The last hole I was just torn up because I started thinking about it.”
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Born and raised in Brown County, the 17-year-old has played golf since she was 7.
From a young age, Masteller has been a mainstay in Brown County golf.
“Before she was even a freshman, Ashley was here for a summer golf program. She was probably our first female golfer that started at the age of 11,” Head Coach Brad Baughman said.
“I think for four years, or at least the last two, Ashley’s been the face of the program.”
This season, the lone senior led the team to a 26-6 overall record while capturing multiple individual achievements.
The highlight of her season thus far — and a longtime dream of hers — was that Masteller placed first overall in the Western Indiana Conference.
She also took fourth in a highly competitive field at the Jasper invitational and medaled or co-medaled in eight other matches.
In addition, Masteller tied the previous school record with a score of 35 against Owen Valley.
“She really embraced her role as the lone senior, demonstrating a solid work ethic, love for the game, and an overall outstanding attitude,” Baughman said.
“I think these girls can tell you that she’s a great teammate and competitor. We’re just going to miss her. … Anytime something good comes to an end, it’s tough.”
Taylor Poling, 16, has played alongside Masteller for two years. Masteller has been nothing but positive and a great teammate, she said.
“She’s the best senior we could have asked for. She’s just a great person and a great player all around,” Poling said.
For Poling, a junior, this match was one she’ll remember as she enters next year as a senior herself.
“It’s definitely a sad moment, because she’s been there for everybody and she’s a great role model for all of us. It’s going to be very sad to see her go,” she said.
“It’s going to be big shoes to fill, but I think we can do it.”
Understanding the difficulties of navigating the sport, Masteller imparted one final piece of wisdom to her younger teammates.
“Golf is just like life. There’s going to be ups and downs, but you’re going to get through it, so have a smile on your face,” she said.
“Sometimes it’s tough, but you’ve got it, and I believe in you, and so does everyone else.”
While difficult, the journey has been quite the ride and one she’ll always remember, Masteller said.
She couldn’t have done it without the help she received along the way.
“It’s been great. I’ve met a lot of great people. … It’s been amazing and we have such a good athletic department and booster club. Everyone is just so loving and caring,” she said.
“Thank you to everyone who’s had a part to do with the golf team at Brown County.”
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Senior: Ashley Masteller
Juniors: Aubrey Hollander, Taylor Poling, Allison Stogsdill
Freshmen: Abby Padgett, Ainslie Winton
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