CSM golfers seeking to continue climb
OMAHA, Neb. – The College of Saint Mary golf program is on the rise.
The Flames placed sixth in the GPAC Championships last season, a five-rung climb from the previous season.
That along with a talented group of returnees and newcomers have Coach Keri Rodriguez feeling optimistic about 2025.
"We had a strong finish last year, and I'm hoping to build from that this year,'' she said. "We don't need miracles to keep climbing the GPAC ranks. We just need more consistency with our scores.''
Key returners this year include senior Emily Faubel, sophomore Victoria Farkas and junior Katie Freeman. Faubel led the Flames with an eighth-place finish at the Iowa Western Community College invite last April. Farkas led the way at the GPAC Championships with a tie for 17th, while Freeman was just behind in 21st.
"I have a lot of talent on this squad,'' Rodriguez said. "With concentrated practices, along with growth and experience, we will be great! My players get along and support each other. We are a team united, which is essential for a successful season.''
Rodriguez welcomes four freshmen to this year's squad and sees great potential.
"They need to settle in and ignore the noise in their heads regarding expectations and perceived pressures,'' she said. "The sooner they relax and don't overthink it, they'll do great!''
Technically and mentally, the CSM coach has noticed some things that have her excited for the season.
"There are some good swings with this group, and I'm seeing some of the freshmen adjusting quickly to golfing in Nebraska,'' she said. "I have smart players who know when to put their driver away and play to a target, not just blast one out there.''
Among Rodriguez's goals for the squad are breaking their one-day record of 314 strokes and finishing higher in the GPAC.
"There's no doubt in my mind we can do it,'' she said. "We need to believe and execute.''
CSM opens the fall portion of its season Thursday and Friday in the Mount Marty Invitational at Fox Run Golf Course in Yankton, S.D., with 10 a.m. starts both days.