Empowered by an upswing in membership, the 2013 Convent of the Sacred Heart golf team certainly seems on course and up to par. Having already snagged five victories, returning players, coaches, and captain are all excited to tee off and drive a hole-in-one season.

This spring, the golf team has 23 members, more participation than the program has ever had in the past. Before 2010, the size of the team averaged at about seven to ten girls.
“The large size of the team this year is really exciting,” junior and returning player Jane Mikus said. “It is great to see so many students wanting to get out there and play, and since we have a club team this year, everyone is able to get involved and learn the game.”
Due to the relative enormity of the current team and only five spots per match, not every player is able to regularly compete. However, all 12 members of the varsity team have a chance to see playing time.
Less experienced players are still able to be a part of the golf family as “club” players. These nine girls practice twice a week with the new club coach, Mrs. Michelle Sullivan, and two professionals at Fairview Club. Members of the club team have the chance to get involved and develop their golf game in preparation for next year.
“The club team is an opportunity that is rarely found at other schools,” Upper School Dean of Students and varsity golf coach Ms. Karen Panarella said.
Many of the incoming and upcoming golfers are underclassmen. A young team is often promising, as players are able to hone their skills over the years and build a strong team dynamic by playing together consistently. 
“It has been great bonding with all of the girls and we have become very close,” freshman Grace Campbell said. “There are four freshmen on team which is great. I love being around a great group of girls, and I am proud of the effort that everyone putting into practices and matches.”
Despite three losses so far, the Sacred Heart golfers are building confidence as a team and  developing tactical skills, like chipping and putting, to improve their overall game as the season enters full swing.
– Jane Gerstner, Co-Features Editor