Golf is a sport that is loved around the world for the excitement and entertainment it brings to its viewers. At Carlsbad High School, the girls’ golf team welcomes a new coach with hopes of bettering the program and the mentality of the players.

This is Coach Amber Arno’s first year of coaching here at CHS. She has a golf background that dates back to before her high school career. This background is the key to her coaching style and how she approaches the gold season.

“My coaching style is built around clear communication so that everyone is on the same page with expectations that I have, which include playing responsible and respectful golf,” Arno said. “Just being good sports to our opponents and respecting the courses we play [on].”

Sophomore Ingrid Black is a new varsity golf player and was surprised by the changes that were made when compared to last year. She notes that the atmosphere with Coach Arno feels different than last year, in a positive way.

“They seem really nice and they had everything organized,” Black said. “I liked some of the coaches last year, but this year we’re having a ton more matches and way more practices, which I really enjoy.”

Although it’s Coach Amber’s first year coaching the team, her experience in golf helps her understand what the golfers need the most.

“Our specific goals this season are continual progress and learning from every experience,” Arno said. “We’re focusing on playing smart, strategic golf and lowering scores through short games, putting a strong emphasis on skills like short game fundamentals, target golf, course management, and putting.”

Sophomore Evie Partain is a returning varsity golf player and feels she has improved her golf skills thanks to Coach Amber and the help she is providing. Partain notices the initiative that is being taken to better the team on and off the course.

“Yeah, I definitely think she’s helping,” Partain said. “I feel like I am getting closer with my teammates and that we have more fun together now when we’re on the course.”

Coach Amber also believes that the team environment is just as important as the skill each girl possesses on the course. She has learned through experience that team collaboration is a key part of having a successful season.

“I promote teamwork by creating a supportive and positive environment where players cheer each other on, help one another, and take pride in being part of the team,” Arno said. “Through mutual goals, respect, and fun team-building, we can build trust and friendships between the girls both on and off the course.”

Black feels like there is more to strive for this year with the new coaches. She feels supported and encouraged by Coach Amber, which only drives her passion for the sport forward.

“They’re helping us grow because they’re really taking time with each of us, giving us different tips during practice and like discussing each match with us,” Black said. “They really make sure we understand what we can learn from each match to help us improve at golf.”

One of Coach Amber’s main hopes is to form a more connected team of golfers who aren’t just teammates, but friends. She already feels the bond she is forming with the team, which means a ton to her and the girls.

“I’m eager to step into this new chapter of coaching and guide them to not only refine their golf games, but also to discover their confidence as people through golf,” Arno says.