By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Nothing feels better than a new pair of shoes. Perhaps it’s the shine of fresh leather, the tingle of electricity that flows from the ground all the way through the body. When they fit perfectly, it’s magic.
Carly Stigall has donned the new kicks, and the fit for Bedford North Lawrence’s girls golf program should be perfect. She’s an alumni, and a former assistant coach who has stepped into big shoes as she takes over the successful program in 2025.
Stigall follows in the footsteps of those who have built a juggernaut. BNL has won a remarkable 12 consecutive sectional championships, and the Stars have advanced to the IHSAA state finals three straight years. She takes over for Kori Johnston, who guided BNL for four seasons before stepping into her new role of motherhood.
”It’s a little bit of mixed emotions,” Stigall said. “I’m pretty nervous to step into some really big shoes, between Coach (Aaron) Sanders and Kori, who was a huge role model for me in this program. But I’m also excited to take on this challenge and continue this.”
Stigall graduated in 2019. She was a key member of back-to-back state finalists in 2017-18 while Sanders restored BNL’s status as a regional contender. That remained constant with Johnston at the helm.
”This program is all about the winning tradition,” Stigall said. “And I plan to continue that, continue the sectional run and advance to the state finals.”
The Stars return the talent to chase those goals. Three players from year’s state run (BNL finished 16th in the finals at Prairie View) are back to lead the charge, with lone senior Kinleigh Root in the spotlight. The other veterans from the state finals fivesome include Sammie Nusbaum and Emma Voris. Kadynn Canada also played some varsity rounds last season, so that’s a solid foursome as a foundation.
“They’re the leaders of this group,” Stigall said. “They know what it takes. They have to be willing to fight for those spots. I’m always willing to shift things if scores bounce out the way they do.”
The fifth spot will be unproven. Bella Warren, a multi-sport athlete, has made a quick first impression during her recent recruitment to a third sport, and she will start the year in the lineup.
“I’m really excited for this team,” Root said. “I do have expectations and I’m eager to see what we can do. I’m trying to keep it positive. I’m ready for the leadership. I know these girls well, and I know Coach is a great coach who will need another leader. We have good chemistry.”
BNL will open the season on Monday in the Bloomington South Invitational (shifted to Stonecrest with current renovations at Bloomington Country Club), then visit Shadowood for the Seymour Invitational on Tuesday.
