A lot is changing this year for the Springbrook Golf Team. Coached by Michael Monterio and co-captained by senior Richard Steinwand and junior Jenny Lyon, the golf team is kicking off its second season in the Kohut division. In addition to a tougher division this year, the team has lost three senior team members this year, and gained a freshman. Despite the evident loss, the team retained Steinwand, who is ranked in the top five among the best golfers in the area.

A large threat in Springbrook’s new Kohut division is James Hubert Blake High School, arguably our sports teams’ greatest school rival. With their skills improving, the team believes that they can conquer even this thorn in Springbrook’s side.

“I expect to do well even after getting off to a slow start, I am pleased with how we’ve been improving,” Monterio said.

Though the team has greatly improved, they are still wary of the challenges facing them this season.

“Well, seeing as [we moved up] a division, the teams are a lot harder, and even though we’ve improved, it’ll still be tough to beat them,” junior Alex Myers, a member of the golf team, said.

Despite the changes in the team’s roster, especially with this being Monterio’s first year coaching co-ed golf, the golf team feels confident that they will surpass expectations

“There’s only one [freshman on the team] and his name is Cory Hutson. He’s actually a really good addition to the team,” Myers said.

The golf team appears to have no problems getting students to try out.

“I was lucky to have upperclassmen drawing in lower-classmen,” Monterio said.

Of students trying out, some admitted that they had never played golf before. There were also more girls trying out for the team this year.

“I think the number of girls playing golf has increased,” Monterio said.

Steinwand qualified for the state tournament held at Potomac Golf Course by shooting a 75 at Pooseville Golf course and placing third out of hundreds of golfers.

Steinwand feels optimistic about his chances in the state tournament after playing last year in the state tournament at the University of Maryland Golf Course. He also is relieved that all his hard work paid off and is honored to be competing in the state championship for the second year.

“It feels great to know that a season full of hard work ends in success. You set goals all season and you strive to achieve each and every one of them; when you do, it’s really gratifying. Hopefully I can play well and end the season on a good note,” Steinwand said.

The golf team participates in both individual and team events in girls, boys, and co-ed competitions. They play at a variety of courses, both locally and as far away as Poolesville.