Over the past few weeks, MassLive has asked golf coaches and athletic directors to reflect on their teams—specifically, the unsung heroes who make their programs successful.
These golfers showed a commitment to improving their team as a whole, whether they were experienced in the sport or not.
Please learn about the unsung heroes of the 2025 golf season in their coaches’ words below.
Note: Some submissions have been lightly edited for clarity. To add a player to the list, boys golf coaches can email sports@masslive.com.
Braeden Talbot, Franklin Tech, Junior – submitted by coach Michael Duclos
Last year, (Talbot) was a bogey golfer. And then this year, he shaved off five strokes per round, worked hard all summer, played every day during the season, and even on weekends on his own time.
Logan Picard & Cam Dakers, Ludlow, Senior(s) – submitted by coach Kurt Anderson
I am nominating two student-athletes (both honor students) who unselfishly gave to their teammates all season.
1.) Logan Picard started in the No. 8 position. His score never counted in the top four (match qualifying score) all year.
He improved by five strokes from last year. However, he was there for his team all season by putting in 100% effort.
He encouraged all his teammates positively and professionally. And he wants to go to college for electrical engineering.
2.) Cam Dakers also started for the team. He missed qualifying for the Western Mass. tournament by one stroke. Cam fore-caddied at the Western Mass. tournament for the teammate who beat him by one stroke (on the last hole, last match of the season).
Cam wants to become an electrician or attend a four-year college. Cam and Logan also helped to prepare and encouraged their teammates, and by continuing to participate in three practices before the Western Mass. tournament.
They were also positive role models for the younger members of the golf team.
Addy Wood, Frontier, Junior – submitted by coach Dave Blanchette
Addy returned to the Frontier golf team after missing parts of the last two seasons.
Addy made an immediate impact in leading the Redhawks back to the Western Mass Tournament.
Addy took a leadership role on a team made up of 50% middle school players.
Addy was always encouraging to the younger players. Im looking forward to Addy as captain of next year’s team.
