American Heritage senior Lilly Riegger played a key role in leading the Patriots to a 2A team state title in her final high school season. Her outstanding performance earned her the Sun Sentinel Broward girls golfer of the year award.
Riegger recorded the lowest individual season average among girls golfers in Broward County. She achieved her lowest round in a tournament prior to districts, shooting an impressive 7-under 65 at Osprey Point Golf Course in Boca Raton. After going 5 under on the front nine, she finished 2 under on the back nine.
“It was the last match of the high school season before districts and I wanted to perform and do well,” Riegger said. “I came in positive and it was good to have that momentum late in the season.”
At the district level, Riegger finished tied for third. She then placed fourth at the regional tournament with a score of 72. At the state championship, she tied for ninth with a total score of 149, stepping up her game with a 72 in the final round.
“We were super close at states last year and we knew we had the ability to win it this year,” Riegger shared. “The main goal was a clean sweep of districts, regionals, and states. It was a great feeling to do that. We won in a playoff at regionals and that fueled us heading into states. We had great team chemistry. I am thankful to my teammates and coaches.”
Earlier in the season, Riegger had an impressive performance at the Back to School Golf Classic held at Pompano Beach Golf Course, where she placed first with a 3-under 69.
Beyond high school competitions, Riegger also found success in other tournaments. She tied for third at the Florida Junior Tour’s Pam McCloskey-Brosnihan event last September and placed 16th at the American Junior Golf Association’s Dominican Junior Open in May.
Riegger also gained valuable experience last summer by competing with a golf team in Germany prior to her senior season at American Heritage.
“I had an opportunity to play with college players on the team and that helped me to improve,” she said. “It was a great experience to learn from them and grow.”
Golf runs in the family — Riegger’s older brother plays for the University of Maryland. Looking ahead, Lilly will be attending Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, where she plans to concentrate in finance while continuing her golf career.
“I am really looking forward to playing at a higher level and competing for a college,” Riegger said.
After relocating from Illinois just before her junior year, Riegger reflected positively on her experience in South Florida.
“It was a really good decision,” she said. “I was able to practice year-round. The school has good resources. They helped me pursue my academic and athletic goals.”
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/25/broward-girls-golfer-of-the-year/
