May 29, 2023 – Story by Mark Blaudschun, photos by Joshua Ross
When Samantha Leary gathered her players around her on Thursday afternoon at the South Shore Golf Club she did so with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
How could it be anything less for the first year coach of the Hingham girls golf team?.
Ten matches against Patriot League competition–10 wins.
A 12-2 overall record, with the losses coming against Notre Dame Academy and reigning state champion Ursuline Academy. a defeat Hingham countered with a victory.
That it was done with a core group of veterans–Piper Jordan, Lauren Weber, Caroline McCarthy, Claire Joyce and Marielle Bogen and relative newcomers such as Becca Kardoos, Kendra O’Brien and freshman Finley Erick is evidence that Leary’s philosophy of counseling and coaching was working.
“Communication is the biggest factor,” said Leary, who grew up in a golf environment at South Shore, nurtured by her father Michael, who is serving as an “”assistant” coach. “It helps with golf, it helps with life.”
Hingham, which will now advance to the playoffs at Marshfield CC on May 30th and then potentially the state finals at Longmeadow CC on June 3, ended its Patriot League season with a win over Duxbury, before losing its regular season with a loss to cross town rival ND.
“These girls have been so responsive,” said Leary whose coaching philosophy included an open ended “chat with the coach” sessions during the regular season. “It was everything from shot selection, to club usage to just going out and hitting balls and playing with them,” said Leary. “I think it really helped us get to know each other.
That process began on “Parents Night” in the spring when Leary met the girls she would be coaching and their parents.
During the season, Leary fine tuned a squad which had players at different stages of development. She made adjustments, but focused on how to stay focused during the match.
Again, Leary emphasized preparation.
Before the Hingham girls play at Marshfield, Leary will have shown her a team a video the Marshfield CC has of each hole on the course and how to manage it.
“Other things like knowing how much yardage they will get from each club is important. That’s one of the things I will emphasize at practice this week.”
In so many ways it has been a magical dream season for Samantha Leary–and for the Hingham girls golf team.
But it is far from over.
“It’s been great,” said Leary, with a laugh.
The following are the tee times for the Harborwomen at South Sections on Tuesday – Piper Jordan – 10:44am, Lauren Weber – 10:52am, Becca Kardoos – 11:00am, Kendra O’Brien – 11:08am, Marielle Bogan – 11:16am, and Claire Joyce – 11:24am.
Keep it going girls.