Golf Captain Evan DeMayo ’26 began playing golf almost as soon as he could hold a club. What started as family time has grown into a lasting passion and instance for leadership.
“I started playing golf when I was three years old. My grandfather, who I’m very close with, is an avid golfer, and he was the one who first put a club in my hands and taught me the game. In a lot of ways, golf has been part of my relationship with him for as long as I can remember,” said DeMayo.
He continued, “My connection to golf is very personal. Every round I play links me back to the kid I was when I first started, and to every version of myself in between.”
As Captain, DeMayo prioritizes building trust within he team, making sure teammates feel supported, heard, and valued in both competitive and everyday settings.
“I believe that prompt and thoughtful communication is one of the purest forms of respect. I make a point of being available to my teammates, whether they need to talk through team logistics or something more personal, I’ll always make time,” said DeMayo.
Rocco Fawcett ’28 emphasized that one of DeMayo’s most defining qualities as Captain is the genuine connection he builds with his teammates.
“Evan’s really close with all the players. He’s very uplifting, and he loves the team. He loves playing golf and is dedicated to playing his best golf every day,” said Fawcett.
Earlier in the season, DeMayo’s presence helped set the tone for an inclusive team environment. Helena Lai ’29, one of Golf’s newest members, emphasized his encouragement and positivity.
“He’s a really supportive captain, and he demonstrates a lot of aspects of non-sibi. He’s always really kind, and even though we’ve only been on the team for two weeks, he’s always really nice to us. And whenever we practice, he gives us feedback and positive reinforcement,” said Lai.
Lai continued, “There’s an example from [Wednesday’s match]. Someone forgot their putter, so we had to get a rental putter, and [Evan] advocated and said that he could use the rental putter and let the person use his putter. That was really nice, because that could have made a really big difference in their game.”
For Fawcett, Demayo’s leadership is also evident in how he supports teammates during difficult moments.
“I had a tough match against Tabor and he was the first guy to pick me up and make me feel better and helped motivate me to do better next time,” said Fawcett.
Recognizing that golf’s mental aspect can be just as challenging as the physical game, DeMayo expressed how he works to create an environment where players can stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.
“We’re a small, tight-knit group, which is both a strength and a challenge. As is often the case in high school golf, players on the same team are competing against each other for a limited number of spots. Cultivating a genuine team mentality in that context is an ongoing responsibility, and it’s one I take seriously,” said DeMayo.
Reflecting on his time in the sport, DeMayo emphasized the relationships, discipline, and mental toughness it has instilled in him.
“I love connecting with people and spending time with friends, both old and new. But I’m also deeply dedicated…to my studies, to the relationships that matter to me, and to the people that rely on me day in and day out. Mental toughness is something I’ve worked hard at because dedication and a strong mental game are so central to playing this sport well. Golf is often called a lifelong sport, and I believe that. It will always be part of who I am. As I look toward the next chapter, I’ll be stepping back from competitive play, but the lessons golf has given me are ones I’ll carry with me wherever I go,” said DeMayo.
