Kate Geiselhart of Ankeny Centennial and Isabella Ross of Ankeny are both seniors on their respective girls’ golf teams.
Geiselhart has helped the Jaguars to a 2-2 record in the CIML Conference. She carded a 4-over-par 40 on Wednesday in a triangular meet at Otter Creek to earn medalist honors for the first time in her career.
Ross, meanwhile, has helped the Hawkettes to a 1-3 mark, including a win over Urbandale on April 15 at Sugar Creek. She leads the team with a 47.1 average for nine holes.
Here is some inside info on the duo:
How is the season going thus far?
Geiselhart: There have been ups and downs for sure. Our team’s concern as of now is building confidence and enjoying the game.
Ross: The season has been pretty busy, but good so far.
What has been the highlight for you?
Geiselhart: Earning medalist honors at the Otter tri.
Ross: One of my favorite moments of the season was getting third as a team at our first invite. That was the first time I have received a medal as a team.
Do you feel like your team is making good progress?
Geiselhart: I believe that we are working through some things that can help us significantly improve, hopefully into the state meet. I believe we all have the skill to do so, but it’s the mental game that we all need to work out.
Ross: I think our team has made a lot of progress, especially since last season. Everyone is stepping it up and contributing lower scores.
As a senior, have you tried to be a leader for the team? And if so, how?
Geiselhart: Yes, I’m just trying to make the team feel inclusive; which is a very important theme for coach (John) Pete(rsen). In the end, we are all here because we love the sport so I try to make the environment as fun as possible.
Ross: I try to be a leader by being a positive role model and making sure everyone keeps their head up. After playing varsity for four years I know that a bad round can happen, but the next meet is a fresh start.
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Geiselhart: Personally, I hope to score a few rounds in the 30s//70s, and most of all to enjoy my final season. As a team, we hope to see team scores around the 350/360 range as the season progresses.
Ross: One of my goals every year is to improve throughout the season. I already have one meet with a score in the mid 80s, and I hope to be able to get a score in the low 80s before the season ends. It would be great if it happens at regionals.
Do you have a favorite course to play?
Geiselhart: Copper Creek! It feels like the right amount of challenging yet fun, and last year I holed an approach shot for eagle so (I have) good memories!
Ross: Picking a favorite course is hard, but I really like playing while on vacation because I get to see new courses. While playing for Ankeny I would say that my favorite was River Valley. I played my personal best there sophomore year with an 88.
Isabella, your sister Madalyn is a freshman on the team and currently the squad’s No. 2 golfer. Did you expect her to come in and contribute right away like she has?
Ross: Going into this season, I knew Madalyn came to play on varsity. As a family, we golf a lot and can get competitive together. I’m super proud of her, and I hope that she continues to improve even if that means she takes my spot as No. 1.
Kate, your team is scheduled to play meets on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, including trips to Marion and Marshalltown. Do you think it will be more of a mental or physical challenge, and is there anything you can do to prepare for it?
Geiselhart: Mental, for sure. As far as Hunters Ridge goes, we have three returners that played there last year and know what to expect. However, all of us are somewhat new to Elmwood, and when physical challenges appear, we need to stay mentally strong. I think our focus of this week will be to enjoy it, and hopefully gain some confidence in order to see those scores lower.
If you are fortunate enough to qualify for state, the state meet will be held on May 29-30 at Pleasant Valley Golf Course in Iowa City. Have you ever played that course, and if not, do you know much about it?
Geiselhart: We have not, except for our no. 4 Danika (Kraus), who grew up not far from there and had nothing but good things to say about the course!
Ross: I haven’t played Pleasant Valley, but I’m sure that I would go with my dad to play a practice round there to get a lay of the land.
Plans for next year?
Geiselhart: I am going to the University of Iowa with hopes of going into a career in PR/ marketing!
Ross: I am committed to playing for DMACC’s golf team next year, and I’m really excited about it. Playing competitively and as a team has always been just as fun for me as playing on the weekends for fun with my family.