Ridgeview High School’s Girls’ Golf head Coach Brett Lemster is ready for the season. Lemster is hoping to have a successful season on the course and come together as a team. When asked about his goals and expectations for the season, Lemster’s response was, “Our goal for this season is to get a better placement than last year’s.”
Lemster said specifically that returning players are set to be huge role models for the incoming players. “Most of my players are seniors, so they play a huge role in advising new players on the course.” Team chemistry is quite important to the Wolf Pack in what is often considered an individual sport, “We work on team chemistry with weekly Taco Bell trips, that’s the secret to building chemistry,” Lemster added.
He hopes that the balance of fun and improvement can help the team stay more focused. While the team has goals to finish strong in league play, Lemster also values having fun while playing. “My biggest advice to players when under stress on the course is to remember to have fun, as it is very important because if it only takes one shot to mess up, it only takes one shot to get back in the game,” he stated, Mental preparation is a key part of the Wolf Pack’s golf team.
When asked about standout players, Lemster was quick to talk about Savannah Sandoval, to her this season is about much more than winning tournaments. It’s about learning the game, supporting her teammates, and enjoying every moment on the course. As she steps into another year of competition, Sandoval has her eyes on a lot of personal growth. “I intend to stay in the low 80’s this season and also I hope I can work on my putting this season,” Sandoval stated. She hopes the team comes together to build great chemistry. Sandoval also confirmed that the weekly Taco Bell trips had a huge hand in building team chemistry.
The Wolf Pack didn’t take the summer off. According to Lemster they have been practicing since mid-July. Sandoval and her teammates made the most of the offseason to sharpen their skills and push each other to improve. “We practiced over the summer which was pretty fun, we loved to critique and support each other,” stated Sandoval.
That balance of independence and teamwork has given the girls’ confidence heading into a tougher schedule. This season will present new challenges for Ridgeview. Unlike last year, the team has been invited to more tournaments, which means the players will face tougher opponents across the region. “Since last year, we have gotten a lot better, but so has our competition,” Lemster stated.
Another one of the players, Mellisa Ruiz, who is starting her junior year in high school, is also very pumped for the season. She hopes to be a great player on the team this year. “ I hope to get a better swing and work on my putting,” She added. Both Sandoval and Ruiz credit much of the team’s growth to Lemster, who she says plays an irreplaceable role in both physical training and mental preparation.
“I think Lemster has done a great job by preparing us mentally and physically,” Ruiz said. “The way he deals with challenges and helps newcomers, I think no one else does,” She adds.
With more tournaments, tougher competition, and plenty of motivation, The Wolf Pack is excited to see how far the team can go this year.
