Counselor John Stone has been coaching the North girls golf team for six years. This season they have eight girls on the team, new and returning players, in grades ranging from 9-12.

His coaching method focuses on each girl and improving her skills.

“As with coaching any sport I try to find out what each player knows,” Stone said, “and what they need to know to be successful and you spend your practice time teaching them what they need to know. In golf they need to know the rules, etiquette, course management, short game, long game and putting.”

This is junior Alexis Manthei’s first year playing golf on the North team and in her life. So far she said she has enjoyed this new experience.

“You don’t have to rely on anyone but yourself,” Manthei said. “Everyone is so nice, they always cheer you on even when you mess up.”

Stone said he has a genuine love for golf and hopes to instill that same passion in the girls so it benefits them not only when they play golf, but in their lives as well.

“I want each girl to improve as a golfer throughout the season,” Stone said, “learn the rules and etiquette of the game and enjoy playing the game so that they will continue playing later on in life. I also want them to learn the importance of character and integrity in golf and in life.”

Senior Elaine Steve has played golf at North for the past two years. Steve enjoys the fact that golf can be a singular and team sport.

“It can be an individual and team sport,” Steve said. “I like playing scrambles with the rest of my team and Coach Stone, they’re really fun.”

Stone said the girls from the previous years have gotten better.

“From what I have seen so far,” Stone said, “our returning players have improved since last season.”

Stone said as long as his job as the coach is done well the girls will have an enjoyable season.

“It is very important,” Stone said, “that our players participate in appropriate levels of competition. If I do a good job of making sure that happens they will be competitive and have a positive experience.”

Stone said he is happy with the skill level of the new and returning players this season.

“I am impressed with the improvement I see,” Stone said, “in our returning players and am equally impressed with the abilities of the players that are new to our team this season.”