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Fielding a high school golf team has its challenges. When it comes to fielding a team of student-athletes who are homeschooled, it becomes a unique one.

The TEACH (The Eastern Association of Christian Homeschoolers) Trailblazers did just that this season. Under the direction of coach PJ Stembridge, the Trailblazers found success at every tournament they played. Christopher Stembridge earned all-state honors after finishing tied for second at the North Carolinians for Home Education Athletic Commission Division state championship in Pinehurst earlier this month.

“I think the team had an excellent season,” PJ Stembridge said. “Our top four boys have played together … this is our fourth season together. They placed first in nine of their ten tournaments and matches. The one they didn’t place top in, they were the second of six teams.”

Members of the team were sophomores Christopher Stembridge, Micah Orr and Kyle Styons along with juniors Maddox Knopic and Asher Collie along with eighth grader Brodie Dunn. Ther were able to compete in a number of tournaments that mainly consisted of public school teams like Northside and Southside.

“Christopher Stembridge was our number one guy all season long,” PJ Stembridge said of her son. “His average score remained the lowest. He won two tournaments, tied for first in one, and then came in second in four.

“Asher was our number two guy. He was right behind Chris the whole season, only a half a stroke behind him in his average score. He won three tournaments, tied for first in another. He was an excellent golfer. He shot par at Cypress one time.

“Kyle was right behind the two of them. He won a tournament, came in second at least once, and then he went to states and shot 80.”

The Trailblazers shot a 339 at the state tournament, which was just another example of the work and effort the entire team put in to reach success. Stembridge shuttled the team around on her own from tournaments and meets to practice at Washington Yacht & Country Club. It was an adventure at times but the rewards made it all worthwhile.

Stembridge said TEACH has been around for around 30 years offering sports, prom and graduation for students. The team was started after her son expressed interest in the sport. They played with P.S. Jones Middle School then advanced to the high school level.

“So we reached out to TEACH and asked if we could start this team, and they were all on board,” Stembridge said. “At the time, P.S. Jones Middle School was excited to have us join in any tournament they had. Our varsity team, the first year, nobody would play with us.

“But we ended up meeting (Northside coach Jared) Adams, and he has always been very welcoming to have us in tournaments. And we began hosting tournaments at Washington Yacht and Country Club three seasons ago.”

Stembridge said there has always been interest in the program, with as many as 20 kids showing up to try out for the team. She’s optimistic that trend will continue into next season and beyond.

“I was overwhelmed with it, but it’s been really great,” Stembridge said. “So we’ve just developed every season. So I can’t say enough good things about the TEACH program and how willing they were to take a chance on golf for us.”