George Fox University Women's Golf Team Overcomes Odds and Wins National Championship — KATU
CANBY, Ore. — George Fox University started its women's golf team only 17 years ago, but that hasn't stopped its players from making history.
On May 12, 2023, the team won the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division Three Women's Golf Championship.
"So many people thought that we could never do it from Oregon because of the rain and everything we have going on here, and we're competing against California schools and Texas schools," said Coach MaryJo McCloskey. "Just getting it done felt like such an amazing accomplishment for everyone."
That victory was sweet, and not just because of the massive trophy. It's because the team did it together.
"This last year, winning the national championship together as a team was one of the most special moments we've had," said team co-captain Makensie Toole, a senior at George Fox.
It was an emotional moment for co-captain Alison Takamiya, also a senior at George Fox. "I just remember, I was the last one to putt out in the group, and then as soon as I made the putt, everyone started rushing toward me with water bottles," she said. "[They] started spraying me and each other, and then we all gave each other a big hug and it was just a 'wow, we did it' moment.
Takamiya and Toole are highly decorated golfers, with first-, second-, and third-place awards from the NCAA, the Northwest Conference (NWC), and the Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA).
They know that the foundation was built right here for any future success they have on their own.
Takamiya says "Having that support system is really important" for her personal growth.
It's the same for Toole.
“It's really cool to have the opportunity to be around a bunch of women who inspire me every day to get better," she said. "We kind of inspire each other to get better together.”
McCloskey believes the connection between the players is the key to her team's success.
“We care about each other, and it's not about, 'I want to beat you, I want to beat you,''' McCloskey explained. "It's more about, let's all do this together.”
What's just as important as supporting teammates is giving that same support to yourself. It's something McCloskey had to do herself. When she started as a coach at Lewis and Clark College, she was the only woman in her conference.
"I have been on this journey for the last 25 years or so, and I've just really learned a lot about mental toughness and what it takes to be ready for that magic moment," she said. "It took me a long time to get this information and I want girls to get it quicker."
That inspired McCloskey to write her book, 'When Girls Win.'
“Everyone has greatness inside, and in order to bring that greatness out, you have to say great things to yourself," she explained. "That's what I really want people to get out of my book. I want people to realize that we get in our own way so much.”
With an NCAA Championship under their belts, it's safe to say that nothing is getting in this team's way.
George Fox University Athletics
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