Newton, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Naomi Koontz, a junior golfer from Newton, is making waves in the Class 5A golf scene. With impressive past performances and a summer filled with victories, she is gearing up for a strong season. Under the guidance of her father as her coach, Naomi is focusing on enhancing her strength and skills to finally capture the state title after finishing fourth and third in previous tournaments. With tough competitors ahead, her ambitions are high as she prepares for the season opener at the Derby Invitational.
Newton — Junior Golfer Naomi Koontz Eyes the Prize: The State Championship
Big ambitions, steady climb
There’s a buzz around the fairways when Naomi Koontz tees off for Newton this season. A junior who’s been knocking on the door of a state title since she first walked onto the high school roster, Naomi has stacked up results that make her one of the names to watch in the Class 5A field. After a fourth-place finish as a freshman and a third-place nod as a sophomore, the trajectory is clear: she’s moving upward and she’s hungry to complete the climb.
Summer tune-up that matters
Naomi didn’t waste the off-season. She posted three top-10 finishes over the summer, highlighted by a sixth-place at the Kansas Junior Amateur and her first win on the Amateur Junior Golf Association circuit in Texas. She also fired a career-best 65 at Salina Municipal Golf Course — a round that signals real scoring ability and the kind of low number that can turn a big tournament into a victory.
Numbers that back the buzz
The scorebook tells a big part of the story: two All-Metro selections and a season scoring average of 70.3 strokes — the second-best average in Kansas. Those are the kinds of stats that make opponents pay attention and make coaches feel confident when Naomi steps up on tournament day.
New coach on the bag, upgraded game plan
There’s also been a meaningful change in Naomi’s corner. Her father, Matt Koontz, has taken over the coaching reins after the retirement of longtime coach Joanie Pauls. That switch gives Naomi something she didn’t have before — live, real-time advice from someone who knows her swing inside and out. Matt’s presence as coach is about more than instruction; it’s about being in the moment, reading a course together, and making split-second decisions that matter in pressure situations.
What she’s working on
Naomi has always been known for a sharp short game, but this season she’s prioritizing added strength and more distance off the tee. The extra length is already paying off by producing easier approach shots into greens. She’s also focused on sharpening her putting and continuing to tighten up the short game — because at this level, those strokes are often the difference between a top-five finish and a trophy.
More than just golf
Don’t box Naomi into a single-sport label. She’s lettered in basketball and softball and has played club volleyball. That multi-sport background has given her athleticism and power — beneficial traits that translate directly to a stronger, more consistent golf swing. It’s a reminder that the best young athletes often come from varied athletic experiences.
The field won’t be easy
The Class 5A field is stacked. Naomi will face tough rivals like Kapaun Mt. Carmel’s Mena Sarinana, the two-time defending champion, and Andover’s Regan Dusenbery. But Naomi’s summer prep, experience near the top of the leaderboard, and the new coaching approach with Matt make this season feel like a real shot at closing the gap and finally getting that state title.
Season opener and goals
The Railers launch their season at the Derby Invitational, and the plan for Naomi is straightforward — build strength, clean up the short game, sharpen the putter, and bring tournament-ready focus. After two near-misses in the state race, she and her father are approaching this season as the final stretch of a multi-year quest.
Why this matters to golf fans
Naomi Koontz represents what high school golf fans love: steady improvement, multi-sport athleticism, and a story that’s still unfolding. With solid stats, a stellar summer, and a father now on the bag calling shots in real time, this is a narrative with real momentum. Keep an eye on Naomi this season — she’s not just playing for herself, she’s carrying the hopes of a program and a community that have watched her grow.
FAQ
Who is Naomi Koontz?
Naomi is a junior golfer from Newton who has finished fourth and third in previous Class 5A state tournaments and is aiming for a state championship this year.
What are Naomi’s recent achievements?
She recorded a career-best 65 at Salina Municipal, had three top-10 summer finishes including sixth at the Kansas Junior Amateur, won an AJGA event in Texas, and finished last season with a 70.3 scoring average, the second-best in Kansas.
Who is coaching Naomi this season?
Her father, Matt Koontz, took over as her coach after the longtime Newton coach retired. This allows him to give in-the-moment advice during tournaments.
What aspects of her game is she improving?
Naomi is focusing on getting stronger, increasing driving distance, improving her short game, and refining her putting.
When does the season start?
The Railers begin their season at the Derby Invitational.
Quick Reference Table: Naomi Koontz at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Junior |
| High School | Newton |
| Best State Finishes | 4th (freshman), 3rd (sophomore) |
| Career-best Round | 65 at Salina Municipal Golf Course |
| Scoring Average | 70.3 (second-best in Kansas last season) |
| Notable Summer Results | Three top-10 finishes, 6th at Kansas Junior Amateur, AJGA win in Texas |
| New Coach | Matt Koontz (father) |
| Season Opener | Derby Invitational |
| Primary Goals | Get stronger, add distance, improve short game and putting |
| Top Competitors | Mena Sarinana (Kapaun Mt. Carmel), Regan Dusenbery (Andover) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Kansas News: Varsity Sports Article
- Wikipedia: Golf
- KSHSAA Covered: Boys Golfers to Watch
- Google Search: High School Golf Championships
- Catch It Kansas: State Girls Golf Recap
- Google Scholar: High School Golf Competition
- Kansas News: Varsity Sports Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: History of Golf
- Go Shockers: Men’s Golf News
- Google News: Junior Golf Championships
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
