Women’s Golf Set to Begin Second Half of Season
The Lady Choctaws will begin spring tournament play at the Wolfpack Invitational.
After appearing in three tournaments over the fall season, the Lady Choctaws Golf team is set to begin the second half of their season at the Wolfpack Invitational in Abita Springs, Louisiana. With only two returning players from last year’s team, the Choctaws look to continue on their impressive outings with a core group of underclassmen.
The Choctaws roster contains just seven players, with five of them being international students. Freshman Desiree Herden from Sydney, Australia says all the girls have been very welcoming. “Being one of the internationals, I have found it very easy to settle into the team,” said Herden. “The girls have a welcoming and encouraging team spirit, which makes it easy to consider these girls as family.”
Herden has been playing golf since age 11 through the influence of her father. When she was presented with the opportunity to come to the United States, Mississippi College stood out to her. “MC really stood out because of the coach – he is very caring and ambitious,” said Herden. “Also MC, being a small school, stood out to me. I wanted to know people walking around the campus, and the community at MC really made it feel special.”
One major advantage of the Mississippi College golf program is its recently constructed indoor simulator, which allows players to practice indoors when outdoor conditions aren't ideal and provides a great opportunity to focus on improving technical skills. “It’s really good to have to work on our yardages,” said freshman Callie Mobley. “It’s also really good for looking into our swing mechanics and working on our club speed.”
The simulator began usage in 2023. “They will have a place to meet, work on their golf games, and have a study hall without having to leave campus,” said Athletic Director Kenny Bizot. “The facility will provide our players with first-rate technology, which will help with their overall performance in their sport.”
Having access to that facility is helpful for the team, but Mobley points out that it is different from playing outside. “During the winter months we really just have to suck it up, and get out there and go play,” Mobley said. “If it’s cold, we still have to go out there, practice and get ready to go.”
Mobley is one of the two players on the roster from the United States. Hailing from Brandon, Mississippi, Mobley prepares for each tournament by going over a mantra in her head. “I normally just tell myself ‘fairways and greens,'” said Mobley. “I go into every tournament telling myself I have specific shots I need to hit today.”
Despite golf being an individual sport, team mentality is an important aspect of tournament play. “Team-wise, we plan to meet at least once every 2 weeks or so to catch up and plan our semester as a team,” Herden said.
The Lady Choctaws’ next outing will take place February 17-18. The Wolfpack Invitational will begin a spring season that will see the team play in four more tournaments, leading up to the GSC championship.
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