Santa Margarita Catholic High School endeavors to bring the person and teachings of Jesus Christ to this time and place through a holistic and nurturing educational experience. This is reflected in the Lady Eagles Golf Program, which seeks to encourage in its golfers, a positive sense of self-worth, self-discipline, personal responsibility, successful interpersonal relationships, and a commitment to Gospel values. We strive to honor the tradition and integrity of the game of golf and promote the highest standards of personal character and leadership in all areas of competition and life.
JILL Daniels-HEGNA - Head Varsity Coach
email: HEGNAJ@smhs.org
Coach Jill Hegna has developed one of the most highly competitive and respectable HS girls’ golf programs in California. She has passionately coached golf at SMCHS for 20 years. As Director of Girls’ Golf and Head Varsity coach for 14 seasons, she has led our Lady Eagles to greater heights, achieving the following:
1 - National PGA - High School Championship, Frisco, TX – (2024)
3 - State CIF Championships (2025 - Poppy Hills GC | 2023 - Poppy Hills GC | 2022 - San Gabriel CC)
1 - Runner-Up at State CIF Championships (2024 – San Gabriel CC)
Under Coach Hegna’s leadership, numerous “Individual” Player Championships have also been achieved. Many SM players have continued their golf dreams by attending prominent colleges and competing at the collegiate level.
Coach Hegna was selected as the 2023 OC Register Coach of the Year. Her additional role at SMCHS is Associate Dean of Students.
Coach graduated from Saint Anthony’s HS in Long Beach, CA. She attended LBCC for a year, then transferred to Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO on a volleyball scholarship. She received her bachelor’s degree in physical education K-12 and then attended Kansas University Graduate School. Coach Hegna has taught and coached various sports at the elementary and secondary levels while living in Colorado, Kansas, Connecticut and California.
Coach has three daughters who played golf and graduated from SMCHS: Megan Hickey-Barbosa ’04, Lauren Hickey-Fleiner ’07 and Katy Hickey-Miller ’09. Coach loves spending time with her family (8 grandchildren), friends and time on the golf course.
John Barnhart- Varsity assistant CoachI have been involved in sports my entire life. I played Baseball and Football thru High School and played two years of Junior College Baseball. I have been coaching youth sports for over 22 years. I have coach Baseball and Football for all different levels. I am currently an Asst JV Softball coach as well as Asst Varsity Girls Golf Coach here at SMCHS. I work as a Captain for the LA City Fire Department for the past 25 years. I have been married to my wife Cindy for 30 years and we have 3 kids, Chase 27 Jack 22 and Brooke 20. I have a great deal of passion for sports and teaching kids how to play to their best protentional.
John Fitzpatrick "fitz"- Varsity assistant Coach
“Coach Fitz” has been an integral part of the Santa Margarita Golf program for the past three years, bringing his extensive coaching experience and passion for athletics to the team. While he currently serves as the head Softball Coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School—a position he has held for the past 22 years—his impact extends far beyond the field.
Before retiring from his role as the Associate Dean of Students in 2022, Coach Fitz dedicated 17 years to fostering student growth and development, making a lasting impression on countless young lives. His commitment to coaching and mentoring has not only shaped athletes but has also created a strong sense of community at Santa Margarita.
A proud family man, Coach Fitz is married to his wife, Therese, and they share a joyful life with their two children, both of whom are Santa Margarita alumni: Alycia Beresford, Class of 2001, and Mike Fitzpatrick, Class of 2004. The couple’s family has grown to include two cherished grandchildren, Caleb and Ariana, who bring even more happiness to their lives.
Through his dedication to sports, education, and his family, Coach Fitz continues to inspire and lead by example, leaving a lasting legacy at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
Zack Lewis- JV Blue Head Coach
Hailey Archuletta- JV Gold Head Coach
Coach Hailey Archuleta graduated from Santa Margarita in 2015 and is currently the sports medicine teacher on campus and an assistant varsity softball coach. This will be her first season with our golf program! Coach Archuleta played softball at Syracuse University where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Following undergrad she went on to obtain her Masters in Sport and Performance Psychology from California Baptist University. In recent years she has developed a love for golf and is excited to help grow the game. Hobbies include watching tennis, playing pickleball and spending time outside.
Santa Margarita Girls Golf finishes off their season with a win over Rosary at Tijeras Creek Golf Course. With the win, the Eagles claim back to back Trinity League champions in Spring 2021.
