The WSU Cougars women’s golf team began their season with the Pac-12 Preview Tournament at Nanea Golf Club in Hawaii. Before they left Pullman, a few members of the team sat down to answer questions about the beginning of their season and share their hopes and goals for 2024. 

“Our goals are to stay committed, trust the process…we want to get better every day,” junior Madelyn Gamble said.

Head coach Sofie Aagaard had similar thoughts. “One day better,” she said. “If we get one day better, at some point we will win.” It seems as if that phrase may be an unofficial team motto. 

The team has a difficult schedule this year, with matches hosted by University of San Francisco, University of Southern California and Fresno State University. But their season will conclude in late April when they will host the Pac-12 championships in Pullman, Washington. Aagaard was particularly excited about the honor of hosting the Pac-12 Championships, while sophomore Hannah Harrison talked about the travel they do for other tournaments. 

“I think it’s really cool that we get to travel to different places for each tournament,” she said. “You come back from each tournament having new experiences.” 

Prepping for the season in Pullman is not the same as many other Pac-12 schools that practice in warmer climates, like California or Arizona. The team shared some of their strategies for practicing through the cold winter. 

“We make the most of what we have…utilize our resources,” Harrison said.

“We have a very competitive team atmosphere as well…we’ll do putting competitions, qualifying competitions, which is good to keep our performance mindset up,” Gamble said.

The team has an impressive indoor facility that includes a putting green and a swing tracker that allows the golfers to analyze their swings and help get the best possible results, similar to what you might find at TopGolf. 

Specifically on the weather, Harrison believes they have an advantage over other teams because of the poor practice conditions they occasionally face when practicing in Pullman. “

Not every tournament we go to, we have perfect weather, Harrison said. “Practicing in rain and cold…I think that sets us up for better success.”

Aagaard said the Cougs are prepared for the conditions.

“We play in all conditions unless there’s lightning or if the course is flooded,” Aagaard said. “If you always have 85 degrees and sunshine, then the challenge is greater…when the weather isn’t perfect. If you’re used to battling the environment, you’ll be more apt to perform under adversity.” 

The team combines weekend practices in Lewiston, outdoor play on Palouse Ridge Golf Course, and indoor practice at their facility to hone all of their skills as they prepare for the season. After a long offseason, that included their first scheduled tournament being canceled, the team is excited to get underway. 

“One of the things I love most is competing with my team, and playing different courses,” Harrison said. “Having fun experiences with a group of really good girls.”

Competition is the backbone of sports, and golf is no different. The team will hope to put themselves in a good position to win the Pac-12 Championships in their home city and punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament in May. 

“Everyone has been working hard this offseason, so I’m excited to just go out there and compete,” Gamble said.

The golfers are confident that 2024 will be a success, as long as they take it, in the words of their coach “one day at a time.”