The Sandpoint High School golf programs are entering the 2026 fall season with clear objectives: stabilizing performance after a rebuilding year and contending for top-four finishes at the Idaho state championships. Following a transitional period in 2025, both the boys’ and girls’ teams under head coach Mike Deprez are looking to translate early-season consistency into deep tournament runs.
Program Stability and State Tournament Goals
The 2025 season served as a necessary reset for Sandpoint golf. The boys’ squad managed to qualify for the 5A state tournament, finishing sixth, while the girls’ program, which has been a regular at state events since Deprez took the helm in 2019, navigated significant roster turnover.
The departure of key senior leaders created uncertainty heading into this year. Deprez acknowledged that the graduation of top players like Taylor Mire left a void that required filling with younger talent. However, the coach expressed optimism that the current rosters have established a foundation for success.
“Once Taylor Mire’s team graduated, it’s been a question mark each year for everybody,” Deprez told the Bonner County Daily Bee. “But this year, hopefully, the girls will ascend, and the boys will take that one more critical step for consistency and in competition, then we’ll be in good shape.”
The target for individual performance remains steady. Golfers are aiming to shoot 81 or better in competition, a benchmark that allows teams to remain competitive across multiple rounds. At the state level, where four of five scores count toward the team total, depth becomes just as critical as star power.
Boys’ Team Looks to Build on Momentum
The boys’ program returns experience at the top of the roster. Senior Bode Eacret led the team to the state tournament last year with a strong showing at the district meet. He is joined by senior Landon Day and Rajah Brown, who is returning to the lineup after sitting out his junior year.
The middle of the order features emerging talent. Sophomore Beckett Fuller is competing for a starting spot, bringing both natural ability and coaching insight. Fuller is the nephew of Joey Lovell, an assistant coach for the Montana State University women’s golf team, providing a unique connection to collegiate-level training methods.
Miller Ely and a group of incoming freshmen are also in contention for roster positions. Freshman Drake Reid has shown promise, shooting in the high 80s during practice rounds. Additionally, younger players including Jamen Jensen, Camden Funderberg, and Ryan Yake have been training under Deprez’s guidance, showing steady progress as they prepare for varsity competition.
The boys’ team aims to improve upon their sixth-place state finish. Deprez noted that while a state title may be out of reach immediately, the squad has gained its “sea legs” and is capable of challenging for third or fourth place if execution remains sharp.
Girls’ Program Adds Youthful Energy
The girls’ team brings a mix of veteran leadership and fresh faces. Hannah Majors stands out as the team’s most accomplished golfer, providing experience in high-pressure situations. Hailey Gove adds pedigree to the lineup; her father, Jeff Gove, is a former PGA Tour player, offering her access to professional-level instruction and insight.
Allison Petro rounds out the experienced core, while a trio of sophomores—Ella Mahlum, Evey Walker, and Ysabelle Lopez—are poised to make significant contributions. The infusion of younger players signals a long-term strategy for sustained competitiveness in North Idaho golf.
Deprez emphasized that the girls’ team must ascend to the next level after last year’s transition. With the district championship approaching in early October, the focus is on minimizing errors and maintaining composure during two-day events.
Schedule and Key Dates
The 2026 fall golf season began for both teams on August 18. The schedule includes a match against Lakeland on September 2, serving as an early benchmark before district play intensifies.
The Bonner County District Championships are scheduled for October 5. Top finishers will advance to the 5A State Championship, held from October 11-13 at The Links Golf Club in Post Falls. Sandpoint will host the event, providing home-field advantage for local fans and players.
As the season progresses, the emphasis remains on discipline and consistency. Deprez’s strategy relies on maintaining high commitment levels throughout the fall, ensuring that both teams are peak-ready when it matters most. For more on local athletics, see Bonner County High School Fall Sports Season Kicks Off With Indoor Practices Due to Air Quality.