Written by Reese Borchert, The Crescent
NEWBERG, Ore. — Golf competitions take place in the spring and fall, but for George Fox University’s women’s golf team, the sport is a year-round commitment.
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“It’s called the midseason,” junior Reyna Naranjo said of how training continues through the winter. Sophomore Katelyn Lam said the commitment is greater than in high school, with additional lifts and camps that blur the lines between “seasons.”
Since its establishment in 2006, the program has reached numerous achievements, driven by strong recruiting and the leadership of head coach MaryJo McCloskey.
“I love her so much. She is probably one of the best coaches out there, especially on the mental side,” Lam said.
For Naranjo, McCloskey’s emphasis on mental toughness strengthened her game more than any mechanical change. She said mentality is often the most difficult part of training because “you have to reshape the way you think.” Avoiding negative thoughts also requires practice.
“Golf is just a game, and games are supposed to be fun.” That advice from “Coach MJ” helps Lam and her teammates when they become overly self-critical. McCloskey encourages players to create affirmation cards to help them visualize who they want to become and build a positive mindset.
Coaches across the country agree that McCloskey is one of the best, and now there is solid proof. She was recently selected for induction into the Women’s Golf Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame. McCloskey — along with Shauna Taylor of the University of Arkansas — was chosen for the honor through a point-system process that includes all women’s golf coaches from Division I to NAIA.
“That’s a testament to how amazing a coach she is,” said George Fox Associate Athletic Director for Sports Information Antonio Arredondo. McCloskey will join the list at number 58 and is only the sixth inductee from a non-Division I program.
McCloskey does not lead the team alone. Two assistant coaches and her husband support the program.
“He is number one golf dad,” Lam said of Rick McCloskey, who volunteers as an assistant coach. He manages equipment and ensures the athletes are prepared, despite his full-time job.
Alumni Alison Takamiya and Makensie Toole, both former All-Americans, now add their insight as assistants. Although Toole is currently in Australia, the two helped develop drills during the fall.
McCloskey also welcomes players into her home for team dinners and holiday gatherings. Teammates describe themselves as sisters who encourage each other while fostering healthy competition. A common saying among the group is, “I want you to be your best so that I can beat you at your best.”
Practices are typically two hours, plus travel to training facilities. Weekend practices can last up to five hours and are referred to as “bootcamp.”
“Spring is when nationals are. It’s always super fun because it’s a huge stage, so you get to see what we’re made of,” Naranjo said.
The team graduated five seniors this year, but looks forward to testing the work the returning players have put in. As they continue to refine their mindset, they head back onto the green to pursue the goals they believe are well within reach.
This story was published in partnership with The Crescent, George Fox University’s student newspaper as a way to connect Newberg with the town’s University by reading stories from the students who go there. For more information, visit The Crescent’s website.
