Girls competing for the Northampton High School golf team isn’t anything new. Sophomore Camille Richmond competed for the team last season and has distinguished herself as the best female golfer in the region this season.
But this year, Richmond is no longer the only girl on the team. She is one of six.
Freshmen Louisa Dice and Sophia Vanasse, and sophomores Meena Goswami, Lizzie Brodeur and Molly Allen are new to the program this season.
Richmond was initially surprised to see so many girls come out for the team, but she is happy to see heightened interest in the game.
“Having girls on the high school team is very nice, because just looking around, you don’t see a lot of girls in golf,” Richmond said. “It’s very important not just in our school, but in western Mass.”
Several other girls play golf, including Hopkins Academy freshman Taylor Barry, who competed at the Western Mass. Girls Individual Championship with Richmond.
Working with a large group of girls this season has given the five Northampton newcomers another way to connect with the team.
“I like having a lot of girls because I think we help motivate each other,” said Vanasse, who has played several matches this season. “We help each other out.”
Some of the newcomers compete in other sports during the winter and spring. Goswami competes for the Northampton track & field team and also plays lacrosse.
“(Golf) is mostly mental,” Goswami said. “In track it’s mental and physical. One of the things I love about golf is that there isn’t a lot of running. It’s the mental aspect. I think that goes across most sports.”
Vanasse plays basketball at Northampton. Free throws test a player’s ability to perform under pressure, but the pressure that comes with an important putt or approach shot can be different.
“(Golf) is definitely one of the most stressful sports I’ve ever played,” Vanasse said.
Dice plays tennis with Richmond in the spring, but wanted to find a way to get involved in fall sports.
“I saw not many girls did golf, so I wanted to do a sport that would standout,” Dice said.
Richmond recently placed first at the Western Mass. Girls Individual Championship. Her work ethic and passion for the game has made her a source of inspiration for some of the newcomers.
“It’s good to have someone you can look up to and strive to be like,” said Goswami, who has played several matches this season. “She’s that good, so you, yourself, can be that good.”
During the first week of practice in September, some of the new players’ lack of experience showed. Over a month later, the group has made great strides.
“They have had tremendous growth,” Richmond said. “They started not really knowing how to hit a golf ball, but now they can hit a great drive every now and then. They are not just learning how to hit golf balls, but the important things that go along with playing golf and I’m glad that I can share that experience.”
Richmond is humbled by the fact that other girls look to her as a source of inspiration. She feels the same way about them.
“Having them on the team is very motivating,” Richmond said.