2008 Golfers Tee Up Spring Season
2/7/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
As an LPGA professional, she has seen her share of jitters and nerves.
“I want to do the best job that I can helping them through the mental challenges of golf,” Spalding said. “For these girls, I think it’s a matter of confidence—committing to the shot and not doubting themselves. Teaching them to trust themselves is a challenge. They have the physical tools they need.”
Spalding is excited to have a team of experienced players, even though last year’s top golfer, Kelly Gillum, redshirted this year due to shoulder surgery. The team boasts two seniors, four juniors, one sophomore, and three freshmen. Two of those freshmen, Brittany Jones (Billings Skyview) and Katie Michunovich (Laurel, MT), will redshirt this year. The third freshman, Melissa Haring (Bush Prairie, WA), may see some play this spring. Sophomore Elise Nelsen will be in her first year of competition with the ‘Cats, having redshirted last year.
The team is led by senior captains Kate Steffanich and Stephanie Simmons. Simmons finished in a tie for 24th at last year’s conference championship and led the squad at this fall’s MDA Invite. They are joined by junior LaRae Smith, who will be golfing in the number one slot this weekend when the ‘Cats open their season at the Lady Braveheart Challenge hosted by UC-Riverside Feb. 10-11. Smith led the ‘Cats in the fall 2007 season with strong finishes at the Bronco Fall Invite in Boise (258) and CU Invitational (234). Completing this week’s travel team will be juniors Shannon Donegan and Hillary Folkvord.
The 19 team two-day event at UC-Riverside includes Big Sky school Portland State and takes place at the Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont, California.
“I want to do the best job that I can helping them through the mental challenges of golf,” Spalding said. “For these girls, I think it’s a matter of confidence—committing to the shot and not doubting themselves. Teaching them to trust themselves is a challenge. They have the physical tools they need.”
Spalding is excited to have a team of experienced players, even though last year’s top golfer, Kelly Gillum, redshirted this year due to shoulder surgery. The team boasts two seniors, four juniors, one sophomore, and three freshmen. Two of those freshmen, Brittany Jones (Billings Skyview) and Katie Michunovich (Laurel, MT), will redshirt this year. The third freshman, Melissa Haring (Bush Prairie, WA), may see some play this spring. Sophomore Elise Nelsen will be in her first year of competition with the ‘Cats, having redshirted last year.
The team is led by senior captains Kate Steffanich and Stephanie Simmons. Simmons finished in a tie for 24th at last year’s conference championship and led the squad at this fall’s MDA Invite. They are joined by junior LaRae Smith, who will be golfing in the number one slot this weekend when the ‘Cats open their season at the Lady Braveheart Challenge hosted by UC-Riverside Feb. 10-11. Smith led the ‘Cats in the fall 2007 season with strong finishes at the Bronco Fall Invite in Boise (258) and CU Invitational (234). Completing this week’s travel team will be juniors Shannon Donegan and Hillary Folkvord.
The 19 team two-day event at UC-Riverside includes Big Sky school Portland State and takes place at the Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont, California.
Wednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
