Returning this year, our Niles West Junior Varsity Golf Team has more than doubled in size. Only playing with five golfers last year, Jv has grown it’s roster to 12 golfers this year. Coach Richard Lee sat down with the NWN to tell about his young team and how they are ready and determined for a great season.
NWN: How does the team look this year?
Lee: We’re a much larger squad this season as we went from five golfers in our first season to 12 players this year. The team is very young this season as only three golfers are returning. The team consists of four juniors, four sophomores and four freshmen.
NWN: Are there any big tournament you guys are looking forward to?
Lee: We always look forward to the conference tri-meets against the likes of New Trier, Deerfield, Maine South, Glenbrook South, Glenbrook North, Maine West, Highland Park and Evanston. This season we were able to add matches with Whitney Young, Walter Payton who traditionally have the strongest Chicago Public School girls teams. We also will play two invitational tournaments, the Waukegan Invitational and the Rosary Invitational in North Aurora.
NWN: Who is the big team to beat?
Lee: New Trier and Loyola historically are the strongest teams in the state in our area. Those two teams are always the ones to beat.
NWN: Strengths/Weaknesses?
Lee: One of our strengths is the return of the three junior players who have the experience to lead the team. I expect (juniors) Sara Dym, Katrina Nickell and Kristin Recinto to play very consistent golf along with newcomer sophomore Amanda Lee who has previous tournament experience. Where we’re a little weak at is the number five and six spots on the roster as the remaining eight players have little to no golf experience. We’ll spend more time focusing getting them acclimated and learning the game this season. It’ll pay off dividends in the near future.
NWN: If you were to pick a main goal for the team this year, what would it be?
Lee: This season’s goal is to improve and have fun!
Tomorrow the team takes on Walter Payton at 8 a.m.
