Wakefield’s women’s golf team is gearing up for their upcoming regionals, with the hopes of triumphant wins already sparking motivation among the team’s members. These aspirations are not unfounded, however, as members are preparing for future games by utilizing old and new techniques that pertain to their physicality and mental limits. Maintaining both is key to creating the right conditions necessary to carry the team to victory.

Isabella Bardwell, a freshman player on the team, understands just how important it is to keep a level head, using her own methods to help her keep her eyes on the prize. It is important to take care of oneself in order to have enough energy for a good match.

“First, I eat and make sure that I’m energized for the match. Then, when I’m at the range, I go through all my clubs,” Bardwell said. “I make sure I’m in a good mindset, I clear my head and get ready for the game.” 

Certain habits and rituals can be found within a player’s toolkit, with some of them most likely seeming quite strange to an outside observer. When it comes to practicing these obscure repetitions, Bardwell is no exception.

“I always pick one lucky ball that I think will get me through the best,” Bardwell said. “Then I actually take my tees and I pick the perfect position where I’ll hit the ball the best.”

Sophomore Lauren Cheah has been interested in playing golf for a long time due to her father’s own passion for the sport. She makes sure to practice as much as she can, so that she can play at her best during a match. It can be a struggle when making a mistake during a game, so she tries not to let it affect her in the long run. She makes sure to support and cheer on the other players throughout the game, no matter the score. 

“A bad hole [or] round does not define anyone, even pros have bad days,” Cheah said. 

Freshman Hailey Hunt recognizes the struggles of keeping up a good performance and ensuring she continues to play at her best. She manages to take time to reflect on the decisions she made during the match, whether good or bad. 

“[I get] in the car and rethink everything I did,” Hunt said. “Usually talking to someone cools me down.”

Coach James Doyle spent the past 19 years coaching the men’s golf team at Wakefield until this year, when he entered his first year coaching the women’s golf team. He wanted to build on what the prior coach had implemented for years before he stepped into this role. He wants the players to have all of the support they need to make a good game, regardless of whether they win or lose. 

“The players sometimes need confidence or support due to the stress of a round,” Doyle said. “I try to provide whatever support I can.”

Support and encouragement can drastically change the performance of an athlete. The women’s golf team truly has formed a family as the season continues. They hold up one another through any situation, especially during a stressful match or after the game, contributing to a motivational atmosphere

“Golf is a lifelong sport, and many lessons are learned on the golf course,” Doyle said. “It’s rewarding watching the team grow every day.”