PWHS golfer Rhianna Gooneratne is 2023 state champion

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School is now home to the 2023 PIAA AAA Girls Golf State Champion. Rhianna Gooneratne took the title after the two-round state tournament at Penn State on October 16-17.

On the first day of competition, Gooneratne shot a five-under 67, which also gave her a five-stroke lead. She focused on staying close to par throughout the second round, ending with a one-over 73 and the win. 

“It was a lot of pressure,” she said. “I knew I had a chance to win it, and I didn’t want to blow it. I was confident I had put in the work, and I just had to trust my game."

Leading to the title, Gooneratne was also named the 2023 Suburban One League Champion and placed third at the District One Tournament. As a freshman, she finished 14th at the state tournament and was 11th as a sophomore.

“It’s just so great an accomplishment,” Gooneratne said. “I’ve been here the last two years and been disappointed with the finish. I’ve been building up all year to this. I’ve really improved from the beginning of the year. I’m just happy to see all the hard work paid off.”

The PWHS junior is the first girl and second golfer in school history to win the state tournament.