Q: Having been head coach of this team for several years now, what stands out the most about this year’s squad compared to years past?

A: This year’s squad has actually grown tighter and improved more. They started out way more inexperienced than the other teams. What they’ve done, and it’s not easy, is get better and focus, discipline and work habits as the year has gone on. The other teams, we didn’t have to worry about it, because they were always that way.

Q: What do you think are the keys that make this program so strong year in and year out?

A: We play a lot of competitive holes, in the hundreds. We’re playing an 18-hole team “U.S. Open” at Snohomish where districts are, and all of that goes into the averages. Whether it’s a putting drill, chipping or sand drill, there’s always something on it like a prize, or it goes into their records. Playing under pressure and practicing with a purpose is critical.

Q: What aspects of the game have you been working on the most with the team lately?

A: The short game, but we’ve really spent more time than we ever have on putting. Also the mental side, managing around the greens and making course management decisions. I don’t think they like to practice putting as much, but when Keira had 11 putts (in her round of 1-under 35 vs. Newport), it makes more sense when they see the numbers.

Q: As a coach, does it make your job easier working with girls coming in to the program with solid fundamentals and good knowledge of the sport?

A: This group was not as solid coming in as past groups. In the past with players like Kara (Zitzman) or Mollie (Johnsen), they can work with the kids. When peers are helping peers, it makes even more sense than a coach helping the kids. This year we’ve had to do way more instruction from 100 yards in, the finesse shots. When you can get kids helping kids and showing them the way, that’s the best thing.