Preparationn for a competitive athletic season, under normal circumstances, has it's own formative process: physical fitness, skill practice, team bonding, and of course, ensuring that one's academics are in order before the onslaught of competitions begin. But with the 2021 season quickly approaching, the GCC golf team has certainly not had a normal run up to their matches. After losing the tail end of the 2020 season and having their entire Fall season erased due to COVID, this years' team has aniticpation bubbling at the surface.
"I'm most looking forward to competing with the boys this season," said sophomore Riley Brown. "It was definitely tough to only have half a season last spring and have our final 3 tournaments cancelled. I'm excited to see where everyone is at with their games this year; we have a lot of new players and a lot of us have been putting in loads of work."
Despite the uncertainty of a season and a long competitive layoff, Coach Leo Maes has assembled a deep team that he hopes can battle from top to bottom.
"We have a solid group this year," said Maes. "We have 10 student-athletes playing for our team. The way we recruited this year, we believe our 10th player is just as good as our number one player. I will be a very competitive atmosphere at practice."
Those sentiments are echoed by Sophomore Landon Herndon: "Our preparations have been great! We have a group chat (for players) which helps to hold everyone accountable. From working out to practice routines, it's all around been very competitive but a lot of fun! We can't wait to all come together and continue preparing ourselves for Nationals."
That in-house competition will serve the Gauchos well as the ACCAC has no shortage of top-flight programs. Representing the Grand Canyon State at the NJCAA Nationals is a goal numerous programs will strive for. GCC is no exception.
"Our goal is to win Nationals, said Herndon. "We've got an excellent team and we plan to win."
"I believe our biggest team goal this season is to be able to compete in Nationals; with all the talent this team has and hard work that has been put forth by all of us, I have no doubt we are capable of this," added Brown.
With on-course goals sky high, Coach Maes emphasizes that the goals for his program go beyond striping drives and burying putts.
"Being more than just a good golfer," said Maes. "Representing GCC to the fullest, inside the classroom and on the course. Accountability is going to be key to any success this year. In order to do that, each player needs to lead by example. When it comes to golf, the camaraderie is the best I've seen in my 5 years of coaching."
GCC Golf opens its season on February 15 & 16 at the Mesa Community College Invitaitonal at Dobson Ranch Golf Club.
