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GUIDE THEN GRIND Coach Angie Kritta directs ninth-grader Zahra Sait to the next hole, “When we’re wandering around from group to group and talking to all the girls and as we start coaching them we get to know the girls a little better and what their strengths are.” she said.

As the girls golf program jumps from 10-18 players this year, the idea of welcoming and bonding becomes a huge part of the sport. Luckily, the team has already figured that out.

SPA girls golf has had unremarkable seasons in the past. After doing well at sections last year, they’re hoping to continue the pattern through this spring, while training new players and navigating the complex team dynamics of golf.

Golf has a more independent dynamic than most sports. Even though practices are held with JV and Varsity teams, matches are mostly individual. Captain Peony Steele highlights the distance between the players, “When it comes to matches, they’re very much separated,” Steele explained.

The game’s isolatory nature only increases the pressure put on players, or in some cases, decreases. When you’re on the course by yourself, you really have to be the one to help yourself out,” Steele said. Further, junior Laura Kimmel agrees, mentioning the unique dynamic golf offers. “If I do a bad shot, that’s just on me,” Kimmel remarked.

The motivation to play not only for yourself, but for the team is generally universal. Even in her first year on the team, Zahra Sait doesn’t want to let the team down, but for her, it’s easier to focus on herself and what’s in her control.

“I don’t want to let people down and focusing on what I think is best adds a little bit less pressure,” Sait said.

While some might imagine golf separates the players by distance, the Spartans have found the sport brings them together in performance. Kimmel, Steele, and Sait all agree that it’s easier to rely on yourself, but for the benefit of the teammates. The players find motivation in their team, continuously doing their best for each other.

Captain Alyda Overgaard shows how being apart can bring them together.

“I’m gonna play well for myself and for them, but they’re also going to be playing well for me,” Overgaard said.

Because there’s little to no opportunity for bonding during games, coaches and players work extra to get to know each other during practice and school. Coach Angie Kritta accomplishes this by offering extra support.

“I get to know them more than just being on the course. […] I really tried to make sure that the girls know that I’m there for them individually,” Kritta said.

In addition, the team’s smaller numbers contribute to its tight-knit atmosphere regarding coaching and getting to know each other. Kimmel notes the interconnectedness this brings to the team. “Middle schoolers are very involved in it too, it’s fun to get to know them and get to talk to everyone,” she said.

While the golf team may have a lot to handle this season, the welcoming efforts of the captains, players, and coaches, are not unnoticed. While their season hasn’t fully kicked in yet, they’re already feeling the unity. Even though they may be separate, they always come together in the end.