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Jackson golf is short on history, long on potential
The Jackson girl’s golf program has come a long way in a very short period.
Indian coach Carrie Korbecki has been leading the program for its two years of existence and it is somewhat shocking to contemplate the potential of her third team entering this season.
“We started with six girls my first year,” Korbecki said. “They were all level of golfers. We had some who had played golf. We had some who had never touched a golf club.”
Fast-forward to this year and Korbecki has her squad aiming for a potential trip to the MSHSAA Class 2 State Finals.
“It’s been great to see the girls progress,” Korbecki said.
The Indians’ roster ballooned to 15 athletes last fall, while Korbecki has 11 players this year, and the level of experience and ability continues to trend upward.
“It’s been great to see the program continue to progress,” Korbecki continued. “We have had a couple of eighth-grade girls that have come (out this summer) and played with us. I have even heard of some younger age groups who are interested.
“I think the program is going to continue to grow.”
In just its second season, Jackson had one golfer (then-freshman Ella Overstreet) advance to the state competition (she finished 25th) and another (then-freshman Kaydi Rhodes) miss advancing by one stroke.
“We have a lot of girls who are very determined,” Korbecki said. “They want to get there. They want to meet that state mark.”
Having that legitimate goal – though it is a big one – will benefit Korbecki’s group throughout the entire season, according to the coach.
“I think that will help them in their practice and in their matches stay focused,” Korbecki said. “They have that goal for themselves. As coaches, we are here to help them and push them toward that goal and get them where they want to be.”
Overstreet burst onto the MSHSAA scene a year ago and she has continually gotten better over the past year.
“She has a really good short game,” Korbecki said. “(But) She can hit the ball off the tee box miles.”
As impressed as Korbecki is with Overstreet’s game, she has liked what she has seen from the young golfer mentally, but she isn’t alone in that regard.
“That is the thing with a lot of these girls,” Korbecki said, “they can get the ball where it needs to go, so we are really working on our mental game this year.
“Not letting (the game) get us down. Not letting it beat us. If you have a bad shot, put it behind you.”
Rhodes has worked hard on her game and competed in several multi-state competitions this off-season. That effort is paying off already in practice rounds, according to Korbecki.
“Her mental game has definitely helped her grow,” Korbecki said. “She has had lots of opportunities come from her golf game over the last year. Her mental game has come really far and that has helped her stay focused.”
Ella’s older sister, Taryn Overstreet is a senior, who played junior varsity a year ago after transferring from Notre Dame, but Korbecki said she will “be in the mix” for one of the top six positions on varsity.
Two years ago, Taryn shot a 75 at the MSHSAA Class 1 State Finals, which was second-best individually, and helped the Bulldogs win the state title as a team.
“She will bring good leadership to the team,” Korbecki said. “She is also beneficial to have because she’s had state experience.”
Sophomore Jacie Pattengill and freshman Maggie Davey will also battle for a varsity spot, but Korbecki said those positions will be coveted due to the growth of the program.
“Right now,” Korbecki said, “we are still trying to get our golf averages to see who our five and six players will be. The girls that have returned, they came out in the summer and practiced and every single girl has improved so much.”
Notre Dame Bulldogs
Coach: Brad Wittenborn
Experience: First year at Notre Dame
In the past: Notre Dame placed sixth in the MSHSAA Class 1, District 1 last fall.
They're back: Shannon Eftink (senior), Elisabeth Seabaugh (senior).
Look for them: Alice Burge (senior), Taylor Folson (senior), Macy Landeros (senior), Jordan Pappas (sophomore), Parker Pfeiffer (senior), Paige Compardo (freshman).
Coach speak: "We have a group of terrific young ladies that I am proud to coach."
What 2 Know: The Bulldogs are seeking to be great teammates, love the game and improve their skills.