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2008-2009 Women’s Golf Preview: Turning the Page |
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It would have been hard for Coach Fred Hanover to
script a better ending to the 2007-2008 women’s golf season. His
Cougar squad, competing on their home course at Lake San Marcos
Country Club, placed third at Nationals, the best finish in school
history. It was a magical experience. “Last year’s team was one of the most wonderful groups of ladies one could ask for,” said Hanover. “They fully lived up to their ability, and that’s all you hope for as a coach.” Coming off that triumph, Hanover has plenty of work to do entering the coming season. Four of the team’s top six golfers were seniors, and another one, Ellyse Siu, is redshirting this season. That leaves just one returner this season who was a regular on last year’s traveling team. Luckily, that returner is Natalie Todd. The ultra-talented junior came to the team from Seattle during the season last spring, and had to immediately adjust to both life in Southern California and golf at CSUSM. Still, she posted some excellent performances, including placing 21st (second on the team) at the aforementioned National Championships. With that experience, Coach Hanover has high expectations for Todd this spring. “I anticipate she will have an outstanding season,” he comments. “She could not only be an All-American, but she has the ability to compete for an individual national championship.” Hanover is also looking for other returners from last season to grow into important roles on the squad. Roxanne Mejia and Linnel de Villa are entering their sophomore seasons, and their performance will be key to the team’s success. “They [Roxanne and Linnel] have the potential to have breakout seasons,” notes Hanover. “They shot some great rounds last year, but weren’t consistent.” Competition for the last two spots on the traveling team is expected to be well-contested. Jennifer Conway, one of two CSUSM student-athletes with a 4.0 GPA last year, redshirted as a freshman and has made big strides with her game. Returner Ashley Huizing will be in the mix, as will incoming transfer Megan Pechner and newcomers Megan Heffron and Stephanie Cole. The team is scheduled to compete in three events during the fall season, starting with a September 28th – 30th tournament at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. Though the fall season is generally more of a warm-up for the spring, it will provide Coach Hanover an opportunity to assess where everyone is at, and see if this team has what it takes to make another run at a title next spring.
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