Rainier High School senior Lily Peralta has long envisioned swinging her clubs at the collegiate level, and due to her dedication to the sport, she’s signed to continue her golfing career at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey.
In an interview with the Nisqually Valley News on Friday, Nov. 21, Peralta said she knew Saint Martin’s University was the right fit for her because the school offered her the most financial assistance and because it’s the closest school in proximity to home.
“I really like what coach Anne Bahr is doing with the program. It’s good to have a coach that I’m familiar with,” Peralta said. “Back when I started golf — I was about 11-years old — she was my first coach during the first tee youth program at Meadow Park Golf Course. She helped me start golfing, and now I’ll be able to go through my college career with her.”
Peralta has only golfed for one season at RHS, but she made her mark in her inaugural season as a Mountaineer. As a freshman, she attended online school and as a sophomore, she went to high school in Virginia. In her debut year in Rainier, she showed the Central 2B League that she’s one of the area’s top golfers.
“Last season was my first year playing high school golf at Rainier,” Peralta said. “I was a district champion. I won by like 16 strokes, which is pretty cool. Then at state, I took second place which was a pretty huge opportunity. I’m striving for first place this year. I’m excited.”
Though she’s only golfed in Rainier for one season, Peralta noted she’s always envisioned herself as a collegiate golfer. Though dreams are often easier said than done, the Rainier senior said her dad has guided her throughout her athletic journey and is a key reason for her success.
“My dad is my personal coach. He’s always been there for me. He got me into the sport and pushed me towards it,” Peralta said. “When I was younger, I’d always go out and practice with him, but it wasn’t until 2020 or 2021 when I started taking my youth programs seriously. From there, I kept practicing and golfing at the collegiate level is something that I was striving for.”
While competing and studying in Lacey at Saint Martin’s University, Peralta said she has goals of making the top six on her team consistently. Additionally, she hopes to travel with her team during her freshman season.
“I know the team gets to travel to Hawaii and Texas and Arizona, which I’m really excited for,” Peralta said. “I know it’s going to be tougher competition during my freshman year to be in the top six, but that’s something I’m really hoping that I can achieve.”
As she begins training with SMU, Peralta noted the team will practice at Capitol City Golf Course in Lacey, and at Indian Summer Golf Course in Olympia. Currently, Peralta practices and works at Tahoma Valley Golf Course in Yelm.
As a student at SMU, Peralta plans on studying criminal justice.
“It’s always interested me. I really like watching shows and listening to true crime podcasts,” Peralta said. “I am in the middle of scheduling a ride along with an officer at the Lacey Police Department so I can see if it’s right for me.”
She also strongly encourages her classmates at RHS to give the golf team a try “if (they’re) wanting to try something new.”
“If you’re wanting to try something new, golf may seem hard at first but if you put the practice in, if you’re actually dedicated towards it, it will become so much easier,” Peralta said. “A lot of golf is mental game rather than skill.”
