GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – This year, the Union Redhawks girls golf team is focused on building skills, growing the program, and enjoying the game.
“My expectation is that we go out and do our best,” said Head Coach Calvin Sielaff. “Our goal is to gain some traction in the area and get invited to invitationals this year. We want to become more recognized, grow the program, have fun, and golf to the best of each player’s abilities.”
With just a handful of players currently on the roster, Sielaff knows the importance of creating an inviting and improvement-driven culture. A longtime lover of the game, he stepped into the coaching role to help bring golf opportunities to more students in the district.
“There isn’t always much interest in golf, and I want to reach out and make it available to as many people as possible,” he said. “The best part of the job is, number one, being able to grow the game of golf in the area and, number two, not just to coach, but to truly teach, a sport I love.”
One of the team’s top priorities this season is continuing to build confidence, both in skill and mental stamina.
“Golf can be frustrating, so keeping a level head and maintaining a strong level of sportsmanship is important out there,” Sielaff added. “Golf is a game of patience and discipline, so our goal is to grow our patience and stay disciplined.”
That message is already hitting home with players like junior Arden Hammond and sophomore Diane Howie, both of whom are embracing the challenges and the camaraderie of the sport.
“We are small but mighty. We have a lot of energy and cheer each other on,” said Hammond.
Howie added, “When we’re golfing, especially during practice, it’s so fun.”
Hammond is focused on staying consistent and continuing to learn this season, while Howie’s goals are all about her mindset. “I’d like to keep a good attitude and play as best as I can,” Howie said.
And because golf is known for being a mental game, both players are developing their own methods for staying grounded.
“I recite songs in my head,” said Hammond, who also plays stand-up bass and guitar. “Music keeps me chill.”
Howie, meanwhile, is always looking to the next shot: “I try to think about the next shot and remind myself that the next shot is more important than the last shot.”
Each athlete brings her own strengths to the team. For Hammond, it’s chipping—a “simple movement” she has practiced since was young. For Howie, her greatest strength is putting.
Though they’re early in their season, the players are united in one shared mission: expanding the program.
Coach Sielaff couldn’t agree more. “Come golf! We want to grow the game and get as many people who are interested as possible to play,” he said. “We have fun.”
The Redhawks girls golf team is proof that with a positive attitude, a supportive culture, and a love for learning, great things are ahead—one shot at a time.
