FAU High senior Valentina Guertin and Dr. Joaquin Garcia sophomore Jaime Baker both enjoyed memorable seasons and were recognized as the Sun Sentinel Palm Beach girls co-golfers of the year.
Guertin, an Oklahoma signee, recorded a 137 total (69-68) at the Class 1A state championship. She finished tied with four other golfers during regulation to reach a playoff. She also won the regional championship with a 4-under 68 and placed second at the district tournament with a 67.
Having competed with the FAU High golf team since eighth grade, Guertin steadily improved her game by working with golf instructors Dan McCarthy in Davie and Chip Inks in Wellington. Her accomplishments include first place at the Jack Nicklaus Junior Championship and a 7-under performance to win the Florida Junior Tour Championship (72-65-72) last year. Additionally, she qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur and the U.S. Women’s Four-ball Championship.
Throughout the high school season, Guertin focused on refining her technique with a swing change, which helped elevate her game and shine in the postseason. She expressed gratitude to her coaches and teammates at FAU High, as well as to her family for their unwavering support. Having played alongside her older sister Angelina, Guertin reflected, “It’s my fifth year on the team and I am one of the seniors helping lead the team at states. It’s a full-circle moment.”
She added, “My dad got me started in golf and has been a great coach and very supportive. It’s a blessing that I had my sister to help drive me to get better. My goal was to just have fun and enjoy my last high school season.”
On the other hand, Jaime Baker captured an individual district title with a 67 and an individual regional championship with a 69. She placed second at the Class 2A state championship with a total score of 141 (72-69), falling just one stroke short of first place.
Baker also tied for first at the SFPGA Medalist Tour Championship (72-71) and secured third place at the Nicklaus Junior Championship (73-74). Reflecting on her achievements, she said, “It was a big confidence boost to win districts with my lowest round ever. I kept practicing a lot and played well at regionals. My goal was to finish in the top five at states. I was able to achieve that and even do better. I was proud of myself and it was a great feeling.”
A former softball player, Baker credits her grandfather as a major influence on her decision to pursue golf. She further developed her skills by training with golf instructor Charles Bradley in Arkansas during the past summer and continues to receive coaching from him year-round.
Baker also enjoys daily practice sessions at Palm Beach National in Greenacres. After dedicating several hours on weekends to improve her game, she has seen tangible results. Like Guertin, Baker is thankful for the continuous support of her family throughout her golfing journey.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/25/palm-beach-girls-golfer-of-the-year/