2007 Women’s Golf Preview: Aiming to Make CSUSM History
February 14, 2007

In setting goals for the 2007 women’s golf team, Coach Fred Hanover is pulling no punches: He’s aiming to win a national championship.

Given that CSUSM is yet to win a national title in any sport, this goal is particularly bold. But the team is coming off a school-record fourth-place finish at last year’s Nationals; and with virtually all the squad back in 2007, Coach Hanover is confident that the women have what it takes to bring home the title.

“We have an excellent shot,” comments Hanover. “It will be a tremendous challenge, but we have a really good group.”

Perhaps the biggest chunk of that challenge comes from having to overtake Oklahoma City College. The perennial powerhouse ran away with last year’s national championship, and is the unanimous #1 team in the NAIA entering the spring. While Coach Hanover knows they have a great team this year, he’s quick to point out that golf is different than other sports.

“It’s not like baseball - you’re not competing directly against the other team,” Hanover explains. “In golf, you’re playing against the course. If you shoot a good score, you can beat anybody.”

Shooting that good score will start with team leader Jennell French. The senior got off to a great start in the fall, winning the individual title at Grand Canyon Invitational while leading the Cougars to a team win at the event. French has been a key member of the team since her freshman year, and is looking to take her game to the next level in her final season at CSUSM.

“Jennell wants to finish her career off strong,” says Coach Hanover. “She’s been working real hard to do that.”

Big things are also expected from junior Carly Ludwig. Ludwig, who came to the team from Indiana, shot the best score for the Cougars at last year’s Nationals. While Ludwig has already achieved a lot at CSUSM, Coach Hanover believes she’s just scratching the surface.

“Carly has seen glimpses of her potential,” says Hanover. “She will be very good.”

While French and Ludwig make up a very strong top of the roster, equally impressive is the depth of the team. It takes five golfers to win a national title, and this Cougar squad features very deep talent. What’s even more impressive, according to Hanover, is that every golfer on the roster has bought into the team concept.

“Each one is working to improve, to be a good teammate, to show up on time, and to work on all aspects of their game,” remarks Hanover.

Expect sophomore Ellyse Siu, senior Christina Austin, junior Adriana Bormann, junior Kathryn Hansen, and sophomore Danielle Pearce to all contribute to the team in tournaments during the season. According to Hanover, all are capable of shooting in the 70’s, which is what the team at Nationals will have to do to take home the title.

A difficult schedule has been lined up to prepare the squad for Nationals, and the Cougars will be competing against NCAA Division I schools for a good portion of the year. While this intimidated the squad a bit during the fall season, Hanover is confident that the women can overcome the challenge. If they can, we may be in for a historic season of women’s golf at CSUSM.