Senior co-captains Samantha Carr and Kelsey Aubrey have seen their Campolindo Women's Golf team transform from a small, struggling team to a confident group of athletes aspiring to a berth in the 2009 North Coast Section (NCS) tournament. The team is aiming to finish in first or second place in the league so they will automatically qualify for the tournament.
As freshmen, the two remember barely having six players come out for the team. This year, co-coaches Valerie Robertson and Janine Martello were required to limit the number of players to 16. "We had a lot more girls try out than we expected," said Martello with a smile.
Robertson believes that participation has grown for two reasons: the team has become competitive in league play and there is an increase in the availability of scholarships at the collegiate level. Aubrey sees it differently. She credits the coaches for fostering a contagious team spirit. "Coach Val keeps it organized and Coach Janine keeps it fun," says Aubrey. Carr adds,"the excitement of the coaches rubs off on the players."
Martello cites another reason the team has become so popular, "MCC (Moraga Country Club) has been very good to us." The Club provides free access to the driving range and playing privileges to players. PGA Apprentices Scott Reeves and Eric Zimmerman also provide free instructional advice to the girls. "Jason (Woodworth, Director of Golf at MCC) is wonderful," Robertson adds.
Assistant Coaches Mike Eustis and Tom Carr complete the foundation of the Campolindo Team. Their primary goal is to develop the younger players.
Aubrey believes that potential new players should consider the team because "...it's a fall sport, you will find an immediate group of friends," she says, drawing on her personal experience of meeting her co-captain for the first time at tryouts. Carr adds, "Expect to work hard...really hard, but most importantly you'll have fun."
As freshmen, the two remember barely having six players come out for the team. This year, co-coaches Valerie Robertson and Janine Martello were required to limit the number of players to 16. "We had a lot more girls try out than we expected," said Martello with a smile.
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA