Starting the program was the first challenge. The second step, to prepare for the spring season, is making for an easier task.
Despite the fact that this fall has been the first season for women’s golf, head coach Gerrod Chadwell and volunteer assistant coach Mary Maggio both said they didn’t notice any major setbacks following great performances from sophomore Raegan Bremer and junior Courtney Ferguson, based on previously-set goals.
“(Freshman) Kelli (Rollo) redshirted, so she’s been working harder every day. And Emily, for a freshman, did really well. She exceeded our expectations,” Chadwell said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the results they had. The bar has been set. They set off season goals. Hopefully, we keep raising the bar each time we look back at our goals.”
A normal golf season extends well into Halloween weekend, Chadwell said, but one month was all the team needed to conclude the season on Oct. 8.
“It’s nice to have it done and in the books, and now that we can learn from it, (it) is even better. We’ve met individually with the girls, and we will be working on all their offseason goals,” Maggio said. “The practices will be designed based on their goals. … They’ve been practicing really hard and have already started to see some results.”
Personal goals are what the team is relying on to help them compete at their best. They’ve been working on getting stronger and dealing with curve balls. The spring season will bring a spotlight to the team as fans anxiously await their next performance on Feb. 17 at the Central District Invitational.
“We’re just going to be a little more comfortable with uncomfortable situations. Personally, I think I can be the freshman of the year for the conference,” said freshman golfer Emily Gilbreth. “We’ll be competing individually. We won’t be able to go to nationals as a team, but I think we’re going to see some really high top finishes.”
Gilbreth finished the fall season as the No. 7-ranked American Athletic Conference freshman among 21 freshmen golfers.
“For me, it went really well, because this was my first semester playing collegiate golf. (The ranking) was rewarding for me,” Gilbreth said.
During the Sam Houston State/Harold Funston Invitational, Gilbreth finished in 12th place — her best performance all season.
Such great expectations among the players rank high with Chadwell and Maggio. Maggio said the players have faced adversities with positive outlooks. She’s convinced that the team has taken the offseason to strengthen.
“Their attitudes are right, their work ethic is there. Good things come to those who have those,” Maggio said.
