November,  2025 — West Ashley High School is proud to announce that senior golfer Bella Bozard was the  first girls golf player in school history to be selected for the prestigious North–South All-Star Game, marking a historic conclusion to her exceptional four-year career.

The North- South Game is a competitive and memorable weekend pitting top high school seniors against one another after the state championship. While she is accustomed to tournament pressure, Bella shared that this atmosphere was a little different and bittersweet as it fostered competition and sportsmanship. 

When we caught up with Bella she noted how this event was special and showed the importance of sportsmanship and the social aspect of sports. After years of playing volleyball, where she was used to competing directly against others, but golf has shown her the value of connection, community, and mental resilience. She plans to continue playing recreationally after graduation, keeping the sport as part of her life.

Representing West Ashley as a senior carried natural pressure that any sporting event brings, but Bella described the experience as the perfect ending to her high school golf journey. “It was the ideal way to wrap up this chapter,” she said, noting that the honor helped her conclude her season, and high school career, on a deeply meaningful note before turning her focus to college and her future career in the medical field. 

While she will be graduating in the Spring, she sets the new standard for West Ashley Golf, and hopes that her selection will inspire her younger teammates to reach for her heights. “Being the first girl from West Ashley to receive this honor shows the other girls that this is achievable,” she shared, emphasizing her hope that the program continues to grow and reach new milestones.

When asked who has influenced her golf development the most, Bella credited her brother, Ryan (C/O 2023), who also competed in the North–South event when he was a senior, and has supported her throughout her golfing journey. He is currently competing at Francis Marion University. 

One highlight of the match came when Bella chipped in from 40 yards out, a moment made even more special with her family watching from the sidelines.

When asked on  the impact of high school sports and golf in particular, and she encourages others to appreciate the balance high-school golf offers. “It’s fun—it’s not always cutthroat. You can enjoy the social part while still knowing how to lock in when it counts,” she said, adding that it’s empowering to excel in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

Sophomore teammate Jillian Benjamin had high praise for Bella saying, that after every match she looked forward to seeing Bella, and “even after a bad round she gave me positive affirmations and  she will miss her and her fun spirit next year.”

Coach Taylor spoke on Bella, saying that “Bella has represented WAHS extremely well over the last 4 years by being a valued member of the women’s golf team. She has exemplified leadership and excellence on the golf course and in the classroom. It’s been a pleasure to know her and work with her throughout her high school years”. 

This historic achievement serves as a proud moment for both Bella and West Ashley High School, as she closes her four-year career with intention, celebration, and a groundbreaking accomplishment for the Girls Golf program.

Follow the Golf Team on Instagram at @westashleygolf for more highlights. 

Headshot provided by Kelly Franklin @saltwashedphotography 

Action shot provided by Ann Meyer.