Andrew Leibowitz ’24
Thus far, the Blue Storm golf team has seen tremendous success. As one of the two undefeated teams on campus, they are going strong with a 4-0 record. Some notable wins include against The Potomac School and The Kiski School, as well as a first place win at the Martinsburg High School Invitational.
Golf team member Jason Jones ‘24 said, “I think the reason behind our momentum is mainly from the team culture and the leadership from our captains Kennenth Yonke ‘22 and Khoi Pham ‘22. They have truly led our season and are the reason why the golf team has had the successes so far.”
Despite these early achievements, the team has faced some setbacks. “Individually there have been bumps in the road. We always try to stretch that golf is not a linear line to greatness. There are ups and downs for everybody, possibly more than other sports, but as long as your personal growth is even slightly better than where it was to start you are headed in the right direction,” head coach Doug Smith said.
As in every sport, with practice improvement is inevitable. “We improve by grinding in practice and helping each other out with our errors in our swings. As well as planning out our matches and learning the courses before them,” Jones said. Coach Smith added, “We still have to minimize some of our blow-up holes. You can always improve at golf; it is a lifelong sport. We haven’t tapped our full potential yet, but I am confident this group will.”
Only half way through the season, there is still a long line of challenges the team will inevitably face. “We look forward to having a season full of fun and team chemistry. Each practice, our team becomes closer and closer to the team we know we can be. We also look forward to all of the matches that we will play and all of the beautiful courses,” said Jones. From a coach’s perspective, Smith said, “For me this season is one of great potential and I have certainly been looking forward to that. However, every season, I look forward most to the relationships that are built within the team. To watch players learn and grow, but within the team and individually, is what it is all about for me.”
After last year’s inactivity due to COVID, the team’s excitement and expectations are sky high. They travel to McConnellsburg on October 9 to face McConnellsburg High School where they hope to continue their winning streak.