Coach Steve Conti Leads a Bright Future for CdM Boys Golf 2025

Sunset Rewind Podcast: Coach Steve Conti Leads a Bright Future for CdM Boys Golf
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In this episode of Sunset Rewind Golf, host Brad Herold sits down with Corona del Mar High School boys golf coach Steve Conti to talk about his journey from the volleyball court to the golf course—and the bright future of Sea Kings golf.
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At the 0:23 mark, Coach Conti shares how he took over the program following the departure of longtime coach Mike Starkweather. Conti, who is widely known at CdM for his legendary tenure as the head boys volleyball coach, stepped away from volleyball to spend more time with his family and saw golf as the perfect fit. At 1:00, he explains how this change allowed him to continue mentoring students while balancing life at home.
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While coaching golf comes with a different rhythm and dynamic than volleyball, Conti embraced the challenge. At 2:30, he discusses the contrast between the two sports and how he’s adjusted his coaching style accordingly.
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The Sunset League competition, as Conti describes at 3:00, is tough from top to bottom. Every match is competitive, and every player needs to show up ready to perform.
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Coach Conti highlighted a number of standout players from the current roster:
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Upperclassmen leaders include:
– James Leehealy, a senior and four-year varsity player who serves as team captain;
– Steven Yang, a talented junior with high-level potential;
– Abe Cho, also a junior, who is working through an injury but remains a key contributor; and
– Bill Zhan, another junior who is a very solid and reliable player.
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The team also features a promising group of sophomores and freshmen:
– Max Robertson,
– Brooks Buckley,
– Jack Harris, and
– Mason Clark-Bryant
… all sophomores—along with freshman
– Luke Ring.
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At the 15:25 mark, Conti shares a story of resilience about Buckley, who started a round with a quadruple bogey (+4) but battled back to finish even par.
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One of the most exciting developments this season is the addition of the Hull brothers.
Matthew Hull, a junior transfer from Pacifica Christian, has already committed to UCLA. His younger brother, Trent Hull, is a freshman and multi-sport athlete who also plays football. At 8:00, Conti talks about Matthew’s impact on the team, and by 17:00, he shares how Trent stepped in at the last minute and shot even par, including a clutch putt to help seal a win.
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At 13:00, Conti provides insight into how CIF playoffs work in high school golf and stresses the importance of the final weeks of the season for determining the postseason lineup (14:00). As he explains, while golf may seem like an individual sport, high school golf is very much a team game—five scores count, and every stroke matters.
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Conti also highlighted the team’s academic strength at the 19:00 mark, saying that the group excels in the classroom and represents the school well on and off the course.
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With strong leadership, a deep and talented roster, and a coach who understands the bigger picture, the future of Corona del Mar boys golf looks bright. Thanks to Coach Steve Conti for joining the podcast, and best of luck to the Sea Kings as they head into CIF.