In just its second season of existence, the Arapaho-Butler girls golf program is wasting no time thinking big. The Lady Indians have their sights set on a state tournament berth this spring, a goal that head coach Jay Edelen believes is realistic with a deeper roster and a growing core of returners.
A year ago, Arapaho-Butler could field only three individuals. Now, after adding several newcomers, the Lady Indians will compete with a full team for the first time. Edelen said that simple change has transformed the outlook for a program still in its infancy. “The future is bright for this program as each player is capable on the golf course,” he said.
Arapaho-Butler will be led by sisters Malley and Keely Baker, both of whom qualified for regionals as first-year players in 2025. Malley, the team’s MVP, did not even pick up a golf club until January 2025, yet she quickly emerged as one of the most reliable players in the lineup. “Her growth as a player has been amazing,” Edelen said. “She has worked extremely hard, and it shows. She is steady and levelheaded on the course, and we are expecting big things from her this spring.”
Keely, selected as the program’s Character Counts honoree, gives the Lady Indians another experienced returner with upside. Edelen praised her work ethic both on the course and in the classroom, calling her “a returner with tons of potential” and “an amazing student” who sets the tone for the rest of the roster. With both Bakers back, Arapaho-Butler gains stability at the top of its order that was missing in year one.
The Lady Indians will also lean on freshman or sophomore standout Tinley Moore, tabbed as the team’s underclassman to watch. Moore has logged several years of golf already and has impressed the staff in early preseason practices. “Tinley has shown great potential in early pre-season practices,” Edelen said. “She has a great feel for the game and has been playing for several years. She has a drive to be competitive, and it shows.” The expectation is that Moore will become “a mainstay in the top half of our line-up” and “make a big splash on the HS golf scene.”
With a full roster, a pair of regional qualifiers and an emerging young talent, Arapaho-Butler’s second season comes with higher stakes and higher expectations. For Edelen and the Lady Indians, the message is simple: this may be a new program, but it is already built to compete for a spot on the state’s biggest stage.
