On a typical afternoon in Conifer, the sound of golf balls echo across the driving range, signaling the start of another girls golf practice. As the Lady Lobos begin a new season, players say the atmosphere feels especially positive this year thanks to strong team bonds and an encouraging coach style that keeps the focus on both improvement and enjoyment.
With practices already underway, team members are settling into routine that includes time at the driving range and on nearby courses. These practices allow players to sharpen key skills like driving, putting, and core strategy while building confidence before their first competitions.
Sophomore Olivia Harla said one of the best parts of the season so far has been getting to know more teammates in building friendships within the group.
“I feel like definitely making more friends has been my favorite part,” Harla said. “This season we have more girls so it’s better to be around everybody and have a fun time.”
Harla believes the team’s mindset will help them succeed throughout the season.
“I think it’s going to be a good season,” she said. “We have a really strong independent group of girls and I feel like we’re going to do really good.”
Practice is very dependent on the day with weather and determining where the location of practice will be. but the team often spends time at the Conifer golf range next to the conifer softball field. before traveling to other courses in the area to continue working on their skills.
“Sometimes we’ll come here to the Conifer golf range from 4:00 to 5:00 and then other days we’ll go to Foothills or another course from about 4:00 to 6:00,” Harla said. “We work on hitting, putting and just getting the practice we need.”
This season also comes with a new coaching presence. Coach Matthew Steinfeldt has been working with the team and focusing on creating an environment where players feel motivated and supported. According to team members, his positive energy has helped set the tone early in the season.
“He kind of doesn’t know golf the best but he’s an amazing person,” Harla said. “He makes us hyped up and really gets us in the mood. He’s a great coach so far.”
Junior Allie Silvernale said similar things about both the team and the start of the season, mentioning the welcoming environment has made practices enjoyable and helped strengthen the team’s dynamic.
“I’m really excited for this season,” Silvernale said. “We have a great group of girls even though we’re not that close at school. Out here we’re having a blast; we’re doing it for fun.”
Silvernale also highlighted the effort coach Steinfeldt has made to improve practice opportunities for the team, making training easier and more accessible.
“He created our own little driving range which I love,” Silvernale said. “It helps us with driving and we don’t have to go down the hill.”
Looking ahead, the Lady Lobos are preparing for an upcoming tournament on March 30th. While competitions can bring pressure, Silvernale said she feels excited to participate and continue improving.
“This is my second year doing golf, and I came from other sports,” Silvernale said. “ Now I’m back into this and it’s amazing. I love how I can go from a team sport to an individual sport and still have a team to support me.”
Players say one of the unique aspects of golf is its mental challenge. Unlike many traditional team sports, golfers must rely heavily on focus, patience, and personal discipline during each round.
“For golf, you’re just using your own mind,” Harla said. “You’re angling yourself in a way that shapes you to be a good golfer.”
Silvernale agreed, explaining that the individual sports allow players to grow personally while still benefiting from a supportive team environment.
“With an individual sport you can get to work on yourself as well as having a team to build off of,” Silvernale said. “There are pros and cons to both team sports and individual sports.”
As the season moves forward, the Lady Lobos hope to continue improving their skills while maintaining the strong friendships and supportive environment they have already built with many players.
“For golf, you’re just using your own mind,” Harla said. “You’re angling yourself in a way that shapes you to be a good golfer.
