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By Chad Martin

Valley High School golfer Jerrica Adams was recently recognized for her accomplishments this past golf season as she made the Opelika-Auburn News All-Area Team. She is one of only five golfers to make the team which consisted of golfers from numerous teams. Valley also had several golfers receive honorable mention. Those golfers were Samantha Gray, Leigha Tullock, Bryant Bassett and Chase Sanders.

Adams only started playing golf three years ago after Chad Martin, Valley High School golf coach at the time, talked her into playing her freshman year at Valley High School. Having to learn a difficult game, the year was a struggle for Adams, but she showed promise and pushed through the hard times. She continued to work on her game and by the time her second season was finished, she had emerged as one of the leaders of the team.

Adams’ perseverance set the stage for this past season, her junior year. She led the team in the regular season as she was the overall low scorer in 10 out of 14 matches and tournaments, helping the girls team achieve an outstanding 11-3 record during the season. Her GHIN records show that she had a handicap of 6.4 for the year and her lowest score was a 78, all of which helped her qualify for sectionals along with several of her teammates. 

“I feel blessed and honored to be named to such an honorable title for the sport I love,” Adams said. “I would like to thank my mother; I would not be able to do anything if it was not for her. Everything she does is a sacrifice for me and I could not be more grateful for her. I always want to thank my coach, Chad Martin, my amazing teammates and Coach Keith. These people pour their all upon me and I could not be more thankful to have them by my side.” 

Adams continues to work hard as she prepares for her senior season. She hopes to keep improving and that she and the team achieve even greater heights. She also hopes her efforts will lead to her making the UGA golf team, but ultimately knows that it is all in God’s hands.

“Most importantly, I want to thank God. He gives us the very breath we breathe and his plan is truly best, even if we cannot see that yet as he ‘puts his strongest soldiers, through the toughest battles.’ I will continue to trust in him and pray that he has amazing plans for my athletic career,” shared Adams.

On a personal note, as the coach of the Valley High School golf team over the last three years, I have seen Adams and many of the other golfers on the team not only grow as athletes, but as human beings. It has been a pleasure to coach them all, and one of the most gratifying experiences of my career. I will miss all of them as I move on to the next chapter, but they are a group that I will never forget and I know they are going to do big things going forward.