Lady Lancers head coach Brian Botsford giving instruction during practice. Photo courtesy of Madelaine Sanderson

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lady Lancers golf team recently ended their first season with head coach Brian Botsford at the helm and appear to be headed in the right direction. 

In their first season in the Metro League, the Lady Lancers finished in fourth place in what was a very competitive group. Having six players competing throughout the entirety of the season, and with a culture of camaraderie and leadership put in place, Botsford feels the program is in good standing moving forward. 

"I was very pleased," he said of his teams' performance this season. "The girls gelled together really well, and there was a big sense of camaraderie. There wasn't any friction that can happen with teams sometimes. That was very nice to see. It's a very team-oriented group."

The team had two seniors qualify for the CIF Sac Joaquin Section Divisionals in Christiana Laret and Mikayla Sandner, whom Botsford referred to as the unquestioned leaders of the team both on and off the course. Botsford recently held an after-season awards dinner, where Laret was named as the 2024 Coaches' Award winner. The award recognizes a player whom exemplifies leadership both on the course and in the classroom, and according to Botsford, Laret met those requirements and then some. According to Botsford, Laret is a very "worldly person" who is very involved in her church, her team, and her school. As a member of an on-campus leadership group at Cordova, Laret is part of a welcoming committee for incoming freshmen and is held in high regard by her classmates. 

The Cordova Lady Lancers golf team finished in fourth place in their first season of Metro League play. Photo courtesy of Michelle Martinez

Junior Grace Deems was also mentioned by Botsford as a player he feels will be a big part of the program next season and fill an important leadership role. 

Looking ahead, Botsford wants to continue to grow the program, and often promotes the sport on campus in hopes of generating more athlete turnout.

"I've got my work cut out for me," Botsford said. "Golf is one of those things where it is hit or miss, but I think I am doing it the right way. My goal is to carry at least six players next year, if not a couple more."

Eligible students interested in playing are encouraged to contact Coach Botsford or any of the current players for more information.