Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all sports at Ashland University have been postponed until the spring season. The GLIAC in May decided this was the best way in order to remain competitive. 

Senior golfer Sophia Hemleben reflected on what she hopes for her senior season, and the changes that have been made for their protection from the pandemic. 

Throughout her time here at AU, Sophie has been a big asset to the women’s golf team. Last year, during spring break the team traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida and Hemleben concluded her play tying for 27th place individually. 

Overall, last fall and spring combined, she averaged a season round of 77.50, this score was ranked fifth in the conference, and ninth best in AU women’s golf team history. In April these achievements led Sophie to receiving a first team all GLIAC honor. 

In the other seven tournaments that the Eagles played last year, Sophie was a top 10 individual,  placed four times and finished second in the season opening Michael Corbett Fall classic tournament. Hemleben is also a Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-American Scholar and a member of the GLIAC all academic excellence team. 

With tournaments not happening at the moment, Hemleben and the rest of the women’s golf team have continued to practice and be ready for a spring season. 

“We are having qualifiers each week to determine who will travel for spring break.” 

The golf team is small, and with the weather being nice social distancing has been fairly easy to adhere to on the course. “I’m sure once winter comes and we are in the facility we will have less space and need to break up into smaller groups,” Hemleben said. Whether they are in the weight room or practicing their skills on the course, the golf team is motivated for a successful spring season. 

“I was sad that there isn’t a fall season but I was able to add more courses so I could have an easier load in the spring if we do have a season. I am motivated right now to play well for spring break and travel hopefully then,” she said.

While covid has affected many teams in negative and positive ways, the golf team will be ready to play if the GLIAC allows them to in the spring. 

Sophie also reflects on how she is staying motivated as a senior, if she doesn’t get her last chance to play for AU. 

“I am motivated by pushing my teammates to build a better team after I graduate so that they can compete and represent Ashland,” she said.

The women’s golf team has a reputation to uphold and Hemleben hopes that even if she cannot have a season in the spring, she knows that her team will succeed. 

So, with covid or not, the AU women’s golf team will be ready to compete.