Sam Woods Caps High School Career with State Championship Glory, Leaving Tiger Woods Beaming with Pride
In a fitting finale to her high school journey, Sam Woods has etched her name in the annals of Florida sports history, helping her team secure a state championship title and giving her father, golf legend Tiger Woods, yet another reason to swell with pride. The 17-year-old senior at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach, Florida, played a pivotal role in the Buccaneers’ triumphant 1-0 victory over Episcopal School in the FHSAA Class 2A girls’ soccer state final on March 1, 2025. For Sam, it was the perfect crescendo to her high school career—a crowning achievement that showcased her talent, grit, and leadership on the pitch. For Tiger, watching from the stands, it was a moment of pure joy, a testament to his daughter’s determination to forge her own path in a sport far removed from the fairways he’s dominated for decades.
The championship game, held at Spec Martin Municipal Stadium in DeLand, Florida, was a nail-biter, with the lone goal coming from freshman Emma Bartoli in the 31st minute. But it was the Buccaneers’ defense, anchored by Sam and fellow senior Emily Simon, that sealed the deal, shutting down every attempt by Episcopal School to equalize. Sam, a captain and central defender, was a rock at the back, her composure and tactical nous ensuring her team held firm under pressure. “The defense really led the team all year,” head coach Hillary Carney told the Palm Beach Post. “It was a matter of keeping the door shut and not letting them score, and Sam being that senior in the back just settled everything.” The victory marked the program’s first-ever state title, a historic milestone for the Buccaneers and a storybook ending for Sam’s high school tenure.
Tiger Woods, no stranger to the thrill of victory, was a picture of elation in the stands, decked out in a white baseball cap and an FHSAA girls’ soccer state championships T-shirt. Footage captured by the Palm Beach Post showed the 49-year-old golf icon high-fiving fellow parents, cheering raucously, and sharing a heartfelt embrace with Sam after the final whistle—a moment that spoke volumes about their bond. For a man who has claimed 15 major golf championships and 82 PGA Tour wins, this was a different kind of triumph, one that resonated deeply as a father. “To be able to end her high school career like that and to go on as a state champion is pretty cool,” Tiger reportedly remarked, his pride evident in every word.
Sam’s journey to this moment has been one of dedication and passion, not for golf—despite her father’s legacy—but for soccer, a sport she’s made her own. While her younger brother, Charlie, has followed in Tiger’s footsteps, winning a high school state golf championship in 2023, Sam has carved out her own niche on the pitch. Tiger has often spoken about how golf, in Sam’s early years, meant time away from family, creating a “negative connotation” for her, as he shared on the Today Show in 2024. Instead, she found her calling in soccer, a team sport where she could shine as a leader and competitor. “They’re keen into soccer,” Tiger told Golf.com back in 2018, referring to both Sam and Charlie. “If they want to play golf, that’s great. If they don’t, that’s fine, too. As long as they have a good time playing sports.” Clearly, Sam has had more than just a good time—she’s excelled, culminating in this championship run.
The road to the title wasn’t easy. The Buccaneers faced a grueling playoff gauntlet, taking down formidable opponents like region top seed King’s Academy and four-time reigning Class 2A champion Lakeland Christian. Despite a regular season where they won only four games, the team caught fire in the postseason, with Sam’s leadership and defensive prowess guiding them to the final. Her contributions weren’t just about stats—they were about heart, about rallying her teammates, and about delivering when it mattered most. As she prepares to head to Stanford University in the fall—following in her father’s footsteps academically, if not athletically—Sam leaves behind a legacy at The Benjamin School that will inspire future generations.
For Tiger, this victory adds another layer to his storied life, one where his children’s achievements are beginning to rival his own in emotional weight. He’s been a constant presence at Sam’s games, just as he’s supported Charlie on the golf course, often seen caddying for his son at events like the PNC Championship. But in DeLand, it was all about Sam, and Tiger soaked in every second of her triumph. The image of father and daughter embracing after the game, shared widely across social media, captured a universal truth: for all his accolades, nothing compares to the joy of watching your child succeed. As Sam moves on to the next chapter of her life, this state championship will stand as a testament to her talent and tenacity—and for Tiger, a memory to cherish as brightly as any green jacket.
