Prepped for a B1G Spring: WGolf Season Preview
3/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland women's golf team is set to embark on its inaugural spring campaign in the Big Ten Conference and first under head coach Diana Cantu.
Cantu has the Terps prepped for success by focusing on the overall process both mentally and physically after a challenging fall season in College Park.
“We had a tough fall results-wise but we accomplished a lot within the team,” Cantu said. “The team worked hard during their winter break and they came back with a positive and determined attitude to make this a great spring. We have worked on focusing on our process and what we can control instead of just results. We did a lot of sport psychology at the beginning of the spring as well, which is making us see the process from a different perspective.”
The Terps will rely heavily on senior all-conference honoree Juliet Vongphoumy. The Providence, R.I., native, earned Big Ten Golfer of the Week honors after shooting a 2-under 214 (73-70-71) and tying for second place at the JU Classic. In the fall, she posted three top-10 finishes and four top-20 finishes while averaging a team-best round score of 73.07.
“Juliet is arguably one of the best players this program has had. She is consistent and very present on the golf course,” Cantu said. “She is a very mature player and she wants to finish her college career on a high note. She's mentioned to me how she is working on believing she is capable of winning every week she plays. I wouldn't be surprised if she accomplished that this spring. I'm very proud of the way she has been focusing on her academics and her game since last fall and her commitment to this team.”
Juniors Heidi Baek and Jessica Gregory will join Coastal Carolina transfer Brooke Kochevar to form a strong veteran presence in the lineup. Baek competed in four tournaments and Gregory suited up for three during the fall season. Kochevar won Big South Freshman of the Week honors with the Chanticleers in 2013.
“I am excited to have Brooke traveling with the team the first two events. She is eager to compete and excited about this opportunity. She will be a leader on and off the course,” Cantu said.
Freshman Kavita Sehmi and sophomores Alexandra Papell and Panitta Yusabai will also play a role for the Terps this spring.
“Obviously I want the team to have top finishes this spring. However, our goals are to focus on our process, be engaged in the present, and always keep pushing ourselves for excellence,” Cantu said. “We are learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. This team has talent, and it's just a matter of time for their hard work to start paying off. I believe it will be this spring.”
Maryland opens at the 3M Lady Jaguar on Friday, March 13 in Augusta, Ga.
