Ames High Girls Golf Team Ames, Iowa

When my middle school friend, Ella Franco, and I, 15 years old, going into Freshman year of high school, decided to join the Ames High Girls Golf team in the spring, we were thrilled to branch out of our comfort zones and be a part of this new community Ames High School offers. We were exhilarated to make new friends and discover the new game of golf.

The golf team at Ames High School is more than a club. It’s a loving, supportive community where all athletes can thrive and grow in their golf game and as human beings. Being a part of the Ames High girls golf team is one of the best decisions ever. Not only have I expanded my skills as a golfer, I had the opportunity to branch out of my comfort zone and try something fresh and new. I am thankful for this opportunity, as it has shaped who I am today and I would not have many of the skills I have today.

Every practice the whole team gets together under one goal: to further their abilities and work as a team. The team is incredibly supportive, as everyone leans on each other to guide them in their golfing adventures. Even if the game gets difficult or confusing, the backbone of the Ames girl's golf team is built on community, so there is no fear when it gets like this. The team is unbelievably supportive and influential to who I am as an individual.

This community has shaped who we are today and we are both incredibly thankful for the decision we made to join the team, as intimidated little Freshman. It was proven that our age and lack of experience had no impact on the way this community welcomed us and shaped our experience. Many, just like us, join this community young and with little experience. There is no doubt that this community will be nothing but a place full of teamwork, friendship, and a home.

Coaches RJ Voss and Drew Dejong give helpful advice to all golfers, while on the range during a practice. The coaches constantly try to improve their players of all different skill levels. The entire team gets together and practices hitting at the range a few times a week.
Ames High Golf athlete, Ella Franco, enjoys practice at the range. Nothing gets in her way except the wind at times. Hitting at the range can be frustrating at times but the only way to improve at the game is repetition. It is incredibly important to be supportive of all teammates while practicing at the golf range.
The game of golf is often viewed as an individual sport, so the importance of teamwork and support is often foreseen. Three Ames High girl golfers line up to hit a ball at the range.
Every golfer on the team gets the opportunity to wear an Ames High bag. This way, it is easy to tell who us on the team when amid many golfers. Here, the golfers are all walking to the range together. Golf is a game of walking as well. Many connections are formed due to the amount of time the team spends walking together.
Juniors, Lauren Fedders and Bailey Stewart practice their short game at Veenker. As important as the long game is at golf, chipping and putting make up many shots as well. Repetition and consistency are key on the green.
Seniors Aliza Bappe and Ella Franco continue to practice their short game. Many great conversations are had and friendships are formed while practicing on the green, however being focused and attentive is key. Franco says, "Most of my shots come from the green, so it is incredibly important for me to practice consistency and pay close attention to detail during practice."
Five members of the golf team get together after a fun practice at the range to take a selfie. Each hit very well that day and were all supportive of each other. Support and encouragement is the backbone of the community.