Family on the Fairway
Photos submitted by MaryJo McCloskey
Article by Reese Borchert
NEWBERG Ore. – Golf competitions take place in the spring and fall, but for George Fox University’s (GFU) Women’s Golf Team, this sport is a lifestyle.
“It’s called the mid-season,” says Reyna Naranjo, a junior on the team, about how their training continues through the winter. Sophomore Katelyn Lam notes the commitment is greater than high school, with additional lifts and camps that blur the lines between “seasons.”
The program has reached many achievements since its establishment in 2006. This is due to the consistent welcoming of gifted athletes as well as the leadership of Head Coach MaryJo McCloskey. “I love her so much. She is probably one of the best coaches out there, especially on the mental side,” says Lam.
For Naranjo, McCloskey’s emphasis on mental toughness increased her game more than any mechanical development. Naranjo notes that mentality is often the more difficult aspect of training because “you have to reshape the way you think.” Avoiding negative thoughts is also a skill that requires practice.
“Golf is just a game and games are supposed to be fun.” This is a tip from “Coach MJ” that helps Lam and the other athletes when they find themselves overly self-critical. McCloskey guides them in creating affirmation cards that help the athletes visualize who they want to become and embody positivity.
Coaches from universities spanning the country agree that McCloskey is one of the best, as it was recently announced that she will be inducted into the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) Coaches Hall of Fame. McCloskey—along with Shauna Taylor of the University of Arkansas—was selected to receive this honor out of all the women’s golf coaches in every division, ranging from DI to NAIA, through a point system process.
“That’s a testament to how amazing a coach she is,” says GFU Associate Athletic Director of Sports Information Antonio Arredondo. McCloskey will join the list at number fifty-eight, but is only the sixth inductee to come from a program that is not DI.
McCloskey does not pilot the team alone. Two assistant coaches and McCloskey’s husband aid in the operations. Alumni Alison Takamiya and McKensie Toole both had abundant success in this program and now add their insight as assistant coaches. Although Toole is currently in Australia, the two were invested and helpful in curating drills during the fall.
“He is number one golf dad,” says Lam about Rick McCloskey, who volunteers as assistant coach. He manages the equipment and ensures the athletes are prepared, despite being busy and having his own job.
McCloskey opens her home to host team dinners and invites athletes around the holidays. The teammates are like sisters and encourage each other while fostering healthy competition. A saying that orbits the team is “I want you to be your best so that I can beat you at your best.”
Practice is normally two hours in addition to the commute to the preferred facilities. On weekends, practices are upwards of five hours and referred to as “bootcamp.”
“Spring is when nationals are. It's always super fun because it's a huge stage, so you get to see what we’re made of,” says Naranjo.
The team just graduated five seniors but is looking forward to testing the results of the effort the returners have devoted. As they continue to refine their mindset, they cart out on the green to survey what other goals are well within their reach.
