By, Nick Johnson '13
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The 2010-11 Santa Clara University women's golf season went very well for first-year head coach Krystal Kelly, as the team finished with seven top 10 finishes in nine events. The team also produced three players who received All-West Coast Conference honors for their outstanding play: Miki Ueoka, Taylor Camany and Tamara Surtees.
When asked about those three, Coach Kelly credited their consistency in preparation both on the golf course and in the classroom. Adding that hard work was the key to improvement each and every time they teed it up.
Kelly, the Broncos assistant coach since 2008, took over for Polly Schulze, who announced her retirement in December. During the fall season, Santa Clara finished among the leaders at the Firestone Grill Cal Poly Invitational and the SCU Colby Invitational where they were team runners-up in both events. The Firestone Grill Cal Poly Invitational also saw the team's best single round of the season which was a 300 total score, almost 12 shots better than their season average which was 311.8.
The team's next highest finish came in the WCC Championships where they finished fourth. They also finished tied for fifth at the Fresno State Lexus Classic, sixth at the Juli Inkster Spartan Invite, and seventh at the Peg Barnard Invitational.
Individually, Santa Clara was once again led by Ueoka, who was named First Team All-WCC for the third straight season. Arguably SCU's best-ever women's golfer, Ueoka is also an outstanding student. She was nominated for the WCC's postgraduate scholarship.
"She has really set the bar for women's golf here at SCU," said Kelly of her star player from Lihue, Hawaii. "I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to coach her." Ueoka had five top five finishes during the year as an individual, twice finishing as the runner-up. Her best single round was a 69 at the Juli Inkster Spartan Invite, which was also the best single-round for any Bronco in 2010-11.
Tamara Surtees and Taylor Camany were also All-WCC honorees, both of whom will return to the Broncos lineup next year. Surtees won her first collegiate event during the fall season, capturing medalist honors at SCU's own Colby Invitational, edging out her teammate and close friend, Ueoka.
"Tamara has been a three-time All-WCC award-winner. I look for her to be a top contender next season. With one collegiate win under her belt she's ready to get back in the winner's circle. Taylor is a first time All-WCC award winner. She is a definitely a player you'll want to watch," said Coach Kelly.
Next year looks very promising for the Broncos as they return four of their six golfers, including two of their top performers in the 2010-11 season. They also have some promising incoming players that should add depth and talent to the proven group of returners. When asked about the future, Coach Kelly said, "We have signed a great incoming class, who will each bring something different to the table, so I can't wait to get started with my first full season."
