In her third year at the helm, Sandy Vanderbeek has one of her biggest teams competing this fall.
After barely missing sending a player to the state tournament last season, Vanderbeek has a strong nucleus back and she expects the team to be competitive in the standings and extend the season into the state tournament.
“Last year, we consistently improved with each tournament,” said Vanderbeek, who’s assisted by Phil Pinder and Kim Park. “I am excited to see where all the golfers will get to this year and the years to come. I feel like this is a strong developing team with good potential for this and future years.”
Ultimately, Vanderbeek wants to see her Lady Wave qualify for state not just with individual golfers, but she’s hopeful that Fallon can qualify as a team.
“I have a great team of hard-working athletic players who want to get better with the help of the coaching team,” she said. “We have a great coaching staff and the players are improving weekly. For each player, I hope to instill a lifelong love of golf that they can take into the rest of their life.”
Vanderbeek expects her upperclassmen to lead the team, especially senior Tiffany Sorensen and junior Molly Woolsey. With the team possessing several natural athletes, Vanderbeek said they are eager to learn and work diligently.
“Tiffany and Molly have stepped up as natural leaders. I look to them to show respect and commitment to the coaches, the team and the golf course,” Vanderbeek said. “They have been leading by example the sportsmanship and encouragement that goes with the sport.”
And like with previous seasons, playing in the offseason is still key to improvement in a league that’s been dominated by Elko.
“Golf is a year-round sport. Playing in the off season would help improve our team,” Vanderbeek said. “As we develop a good swing, distance will help lower scores along with continuing a strong short game. Coach Pinder and I have worked together well to encourage and improve whatever level of golfer comes to our program. We can explain ideas in different ways to help them understand how to improve.”
Along with Sorensen and Woolsey, both in their second season, the golf team includes senior Shasta Mori (third year), sophomore Gabby Loop (second year), sophomore Lainee Reed (second year), senior Erin Spaletti (first year), Marilee Golden (first year), sophomore Addie Smith (first year) and sophomore Sydney Jarrett (first year).
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment