SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lady Lancers golf team may be heading into the 2024 fall season with a new head coach, but not in the way that you think.

Enter Brian Botsford, or “coach Bots,” as he is affectionately known by former players during 27 years as a swim coach, athletic director and educator at Cordova High School and Mitchell Middle School, respectively. Botsford, who began his career with the school district in 1996, retired in 2023. But that is when his latest line of work truly began.

An avid golfer, Botsford turned his love of the links into his latest coaching endeavor as he became the head coach of the Lancers boys golf team in the spring of 2024. Now with an opportunity to coach on the girls’ side as well this fall, he looks forward to the challenge.

The Lady Lancers return two seniors in Christiana Laret and Mikayla Sandner. In Laret, a player with a 12-handicap and potentially looking to play collegiately, Botsford is eager to see her swing when the team takes to the course with practices beginning August 5.

“Knowing that a kid already has an established 12-handicap means she’s pretty darn good,” he said. “I really look for her to increase that, especially with her already thinking about going to college and playing. That’ll be my goal for her because she wants to get under a 12-handicap, and I want to get her that experience in order to do that.”

Sandner meanwhile is a player in the 100-score range, whom Botsford has high hopes for. “My hope is to get her under that range and have her be consistent.”

Incoming freshman Kylie Sanderson has also made quite the first impression on her new coach, as the team began summer conditioning this past week. Traditionally a cross-country runner, Sanderson sees athleticism he hopes will carry over to the course.

The Lady Lancers will be playing their first season in the Metro League after realignment, and Botsford knows there will be quality opponents.

“I’m looking to be competitive with the teams in league,” he said. “After having three boys advance to Sectionals last spring and play quite well, my goal is to continue that with the girls.”

The Lady Lancers open the season at home on September 4 with a match against McClatchy at Mather Golf Course.