BEACHSIDE BEGINNINGS: Meet Beachside's new girls' golf coach McKenzie Parks
ST. AUGUSTINE — A good, strong pinch would probably do the trick.
McKenzie Parks needs something to help her realize it’s not a dream that she's about to be part of history at Beachside High.
“Occasionally, I have to remind myself that I will be the first ever Beachside High School girls golf coach with the first ever golf team,” Parks said.
Beachside, which is located in the northwest section of the county, is set to open its doors next month. Alongside Tocoi Creek, it is the second school in the last two years to open in St. Johns County and will have about 2,100 students. Beachside relieves nearby Bartram Trail of more than 1,000 students, according to school district officials.
The school is located in the new community Beachwalk, close to where Parks lives. She called Beachside athletic director Jen Harman to see if she could become one of the new golf coaches, fulfilling a dream she’s thought about for a long time.
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“It’s always been something that’s been in the back of my mind,” Parks said.
The Wisconsin native moved to Florida three years ago. She played golf four years at Carthage College, where she set school and course records, was named All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin three straight years and was women’s golf most valuable performer.
Although it’ll be her first time coaching, Parks will lean on her collegiate experience to help guide her young team.
“There are a variety of things I hope to bring,” Parks said. “The most important would be to bring a positive and fun environment while still trying to be competitive.”
Parks said that she wants to add players of different skill levels and wants to “get some work done” to be one of the top competitors in Northeast Florida.
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The upstart Beachside Barracudas will join one of the state's top regions for high school golf. Ponte Vedra, Bartram, Nease and Menendez are among the many schools in St. Johns that boast top-tier talent.
Parks is aware of the tough competition, but it’s not something that’s on the forefront of her mind. As a competitor, it never has been.
“I’ve never really looked at competition,” Parks said. “I was always playing the golf course.”
Parks is focused on her girls representing themselves, their school and community. They should be proud of themselves no matter the outcome, she said.
But that doesn’t mean they aren’t going to be competitive.
“Watch for us,” she said. “We’re going to be doing good things. Big things.”
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Beachside High welcomes new girls' golf coach McKenzie Parks
