I wanted to provide a little different perspective to the recruiting process that many families don’t consider, Junior College. Junior College is a great option for late bloomers or players who have the goal of playing at a bigger university but didn’t find the right fit in time. It can be very similar to attending a golf academy for a year or two where you will receive top notch instruction, while earning college hours. But it’s no piece of cake to play at the top JuCo programs. The Seminole State girls finished the spring season with a team average score of 300.8, that’s averaging 75.2 individually. That’s some very strong golf, including several 36 holes days. Check out their page, https://www.seminolestate.edu/athletics/wgolf/ and follow them on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/SeminoleStateWomensGolf. 

Here is some insight from Head Coach Christa Teno.

What is your coaching background/bio?
Prior to taking the job at Seminole I was an LPGA playing professional and then a teaching professional. I had no real coaching experience. It’s been on the job training for me.

What is your coaching philosophy?
You can’t coach every kid the same. I’m structured yet flexible and at every practice we play a lot! It’s important to understand each player’s strengths and weakness but also, how they act while under stress/pressure. So I do a lot of profile testing, physical testing to get to know every player quickly.

What are some highlights of the Seminole State program?
Since playing at Nationals as a team, we have never finished worse than 4th. 98% of my players graduate with an AA degree and 100% (almost everyone) of the kids that want to continue to play college golf go on to receive scholarships at a 4 year school.

What are some highlights that the school and program would offer to a potential recruit?
We have great practice facilities, really nice apartments that the kids love, top notch academics, full scholarships and all my players get better!

As a JuCo coach how are your recruiting tactics different?
I try to stay in front of the recruiting game, but in reality, I get the kids who were rejected by the big schools. So sometimes, I’m waiting. I rely on other coaches to also send me kids.

What do you look for with a potential recruit?
I want a player who wants to get better, who is coachable. I’m looking for gratitude and willingness. I also want kids who are open minded and want to work as a team. And of course, I want strong and fit athletes with good hands.

What is a mistake you see players and parents make?
Parents are too involved. Let the kids grow up.

What is your focus to help develop a player to move on to a 4 year university?
Every player is different. Some it’s short game. Some it’s swing technique or playing decisions. Some kids play scared or just don’t believe in themselves yet. Academics and learning issues are also concerns. I deal with all those areas.

What are some top reasons for a player to choose JuCo as an option?
I get the kids who want to play big D1, but aren’t quite ready, low SAT/ACT scores, language issues, learning disabilities, players who need a second chance.