The Alliance Girls Golf Team worked hard throughout the season to make improvements as each golfer honed their skills. That hard work paid off as the girls punched their ticket to participate in the State Girls Golf Tournament for the first time in 40 years.
Coach Berlyn Clear said she was anxious while waiting for the results from districts. She was impressed by their execution at the district tournament.
“I was very nervous waiting for results- it came down to us and Chadron and we both had girls in the last group to come in off the course – it was down to the last stroke!” said Clear. “I was extremely excited for the girls when I learned they had qualified. They had done exactly what I asked them to do and stayed steady during the day.”
Clear was not the only one excited about the news of the team making it to state, noting that the girls did not believe it at first. She explained that the team’s determination led them to success.
“I think they were in a bit of shock- but once it sunk in they were very excited,” Clear said. “The ride home was a very happy ride! We started making plans for more practice and going to state! All the girls put in a lot of work during the summer as well as during the season. The girls didn’t ever give up this season! We certainly had days that they scored better than others but the change this year was that even on the days that weren’t so good, they stayed positive and kept trying.”
Clear said that aside from qualifying for state for the first time in 40 years, one of her favorite experiences was winning the Mitchell Invite. She hopes that the momentum from this season will carry over to next year.
“I think for our juniors it will motivate them to keep practicing during off-season so that hopefully they will improve and qualify for state again next year,” said Clear. “Hopefully, it will also help us recruit more girls to come out for next year.”
The team’s two seniors ended on a high note. Clear said they have been with the program since they were freshmen.
“They were the only two golfers out their freshman year so they have stuck it out for the last four years,” Clear said. “It will be hard to say goodbye to our seniors but I am also looking forward to the future as we build and grow the program.”
Clear offered advice for future players as they work to meet their goals.
“Don’t ever give up- even if you have a bad shot or a bad hole, you can still recover and make the next shot or hole better,” said Clear.
Reflecting on the season, Clear said she was impressed with the girls for accomplishing what has not been accomplished in many years.
“I am extremely proud of how hard the girls worked during the off season as well as during the season,” Clear said. “They have worked together as a team to achieve a goal that hasn’t been achieved in 40 years! Going to state was very exciting and we all enjoyed the experience.”