Before the spring sports calendar is in full swing, the News Compass is checking in with the coaches of Prior Lake varsity sports to get a preview of the competition ahead. Coach responses are lightly edited for clarity. Below is a look at the girls golf team, a group returning plenty of experience to the links.
Coaches: Head coach Brian Anderson (nine years with the program, head coach for three years), assistant coach Brent Stufft (four years with the program).
Team leadership: Team captain is senior Amanda McRoberts (second-year captain), seniors Paige Hover and Ava Duroche, junior Malin Ray.
Top returning contributors: All-conference selections Ray and sophomore Addi Heinicke, all-conference honorable mention eighth-grader Olivia Arlt.
What are your expectations for the team’s performance this season?
Head coach Brian Anderson: “My expectations for this season are a culture of continuous improvement. If we put in 100% effort to every practice, every match and every drill, we will continue to grow. If we can learn from each shot, the scores will take care of themselves.”
What will be your team’s biggest challenge this season?
Anderson: “The biggest challenge we will face this season will be to continue to push ourselves to that next level. I am looking at our captain, Amanda McRoberts, and our leadership team to help set the tone for the younger players in the program to show them what practices and matches should look like. Focused practices are the key to getting to the next level.”
Are there any big competitions on the calendar your team is looking forward to?
Anderson: “South Suburban Conference matches (Crystal Lake, Heritage, Emerald Greens and Valleywood) and the section tournament (The Meadows at Mystic Lake) are our main focus for the season. Those are the tournaments that we look to excel in.
“We also have a spring trip with Eagan High School for the Match at Madden’s, a three-event tournament at Madden’s on Gull Lake Resort. It is a lot of fun and the players and parents get a chance to enjoy some of the best golf in the state.”
Is there anything else you would like to tell me about your team?
Anderson: “We have been improving at a steady pace over the past couple of years. We are returning all of last year’s starting six players with another year of experience under their belts. It should be fun.”
