Two of the most successful golfers in the history of Turlock High School have announced their plans to play at the next level.
On Wednesday afternoon, Savannah Van Gaalen and Christian Maggard shared a signing ceremony where they signed their respective National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers in college. Van Gaalen, one the most decorated female golfers to ever tee off for the Bulldogs, will be attending the University of Southern Mississippi next fall, while Maggard, one of the district’s best golfers over the last three seasons, will head to nearby San Jose State.
Girls coach Mary Krupka and boys coach Jason Boswell each spoke Wednesday, offering praise and congratulations to the student-athletes.
“They’ve made my job so much fun,” Boswell said. “(Van Gaalen and Maggard) have brought so much joy in my life and my work life and my day-to-day.”
“We are super proud of each of them,” Krupka added. “They’re out there (at the Turlock Golf and Country Club) practicing together, the boys golf team with the girls golf team. And they’re just great people here. So congratulations to them. You've earned everything you've done so far.”
Van Gaalen will join her older brother, Clark, in playing Division 1 golf, as he currently competes at the University of Oklahoma.
She recently wrapped up her high school playing career, where she helped the Bulldogs win four straight Central California Athletic League titles, including the 2022 Sac-Joaquin Section Division 2 team championship. Individually, she earned first-team All-CCAL honors her freshman year before stringing off three straight Most Valuable Player awards. The Bulldogs competed at the section Masters Tournament each of her four years, as well.
Van Gaalen, who plans to study business administration, popped up on Southern Mississippi's radar after playing at the US Kids World Championship in Pinehurst.
“The coach (Colton Cowan) was actually there and saw me play. I saw him a couple times, but I didn't know he was there for me, though,” Van Gaalen said. “Shortly after, he messaged me when we were at dinner, so that was pretty awesome.
“The coach, the people, everything just seemed like a perfect fit. I connected with the girls right away. And I love the golf course over there. It was all so amazing. I loved it so much.”
A similar story unfolded for Maggard, whose senior season gets underway in the springtime.
In late March, Maggard attended the The Goodwin college tournament at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco as a fan. He watched multiple programs compete, including San Jose State, and ran into Spartans head coach John Kennaday.
“We had a great talk. I made a great connection with him, and we've just kind of kept that connection since,” Maggard explained. “Right after that was when I had that big feeling that I could potentially go there.
“Coach Kennaday is a great guy. Love him. I felt at home with him, and I've talked to some of the guys, and it just feels like a brotherhood. I couldn't really pass up the offer when I saw their practices. They practice at some of the best golf courses in California, and they have a great education over there, too. It all came together.”
Maggard, who plans on studying business finance at SJSU, has been a model of consistency for the Bulldogs, as he has helped the program win CCAL championships in each of his three seasons thus far.
A three-time all-CCAL honoree, Maggard began his career by helping the Bulldogs clinch a spot in the section Masters Tournament. His sophomore year, he broke out, shooting 5-under-par 67 at the 2023 Masters at The Reserve at Spanos Park to give the Bulldogs their first and only tournament champion since 2011. Last season, Maggard dominated again in the postseason, swinging a 65 at Turlock Golf and Country Club to win the section Division 2 title. His season ended a week later at the Masters, though, and he is motivated to end his Turlock career on a high note in nearly three months’ time.
“We still have this season to make some more memories,” he said.
