Valentina Aguilar

CANAAN VALLEY — After two grueling days of high-stakes junior golf at the beautiful but challenging Canaan Valley Resort Golf Course, 12-year-old Valentina Aguilar emerged victorious, capturing the 2025 West Virginia Junior Amateur Championship in the girls 14 & under division. Competing against some of the best young golfers in the state, Aguilar showed not only talent but also grit, poise, and maturity beyond her years to bring home the title.

Valentina, who just turned 12 on June 4, will be entering sixth grade this fall. Aguilar navigated the tricky greens and elevation changes of Canaan Valley with calm and precision. Despite difficult weather conditions and strong competition over the two-day event, she stayed composed, delivering a strong finish that sealed her first Junior Amateur state title.

Valentina’s summer season has been nothing short of dominant. She won seven consecutive events on the 2025 Callaway Junior Tour (14 & under division), already racking up 240 points toward Player of the Year honors–an award she’s looking to defend after taking it home in 2024. Her momentum started earlier this year with a stellar performance in the U.S. Kids Golf Spring Tour in West Virginia, where she posted impressive rounds of 76 and 77, consistently breaking 80 and placing 1st and 2nd throughout the circuit.

These scores earned her a coveted invitation to the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst, NC, this August–one of the most prestigious international events for junior golfers. It’s a dream come true for the young golfer, who continues to set new goals with each milestone.

Valentina is a proud graduate of the John Ballantyne Memorial Junior Golf Program, which introduces children to the game starting at age 7 and provides ongoing instruction and competitive opportunities. Her development has also been shaped by her coach Mike Rogers, whose steady guidance and technical expertise have refined her game, and her father Tony Aguilar, who not only trains her but also serves as her caddie, mentor, and biggest supporter.

“This championship means a lot to me,” Valentina shared with a smile. “I worked really hard for this all year. I’m thankful for my coach, my dad, and everyone who helps me get better.”

Valentina will defend her Player of the Year title from 2024 at the Sam Snead Greenbrier Golf Course on July 31.