Oct. 6, 2006
Dayton Flyers.com: Coach Kosters, give us a description of UD Golf?
Sally Kosters: At UD, the claim "we value academics first," is true. Our golf student-athletes consistently maintain over a 3.2 grade point average while putting in a full Division I practice and tournament schedule. This requires good planning, discipline and a real desire to be successful at school and on the course. This ability translates into successful careers well after graduation.
DF.com: What does being a Flyer mean to me?
Kosters: In a word, pride. I am proud to say I work for UD because it has such high academic standards, attracts hard-working and talented students, and my fellow teachers and coaches who work at UD hold themselves and students to high principles. Being able to coach for the Flyers is an honor because UD is such a respected institution in Ohio and the Dayton area especially.
DF.com: What are your philosophies in playing and coaching?
Kosters: "Become your own best coach," is my approach to performing well. As a coach I try to have the player better understand their own game, what tendencies they have to either play up or overcome, and make corrections where and when necessary. I'd like them to be able to tap their inner strengths. After every round we determine the following:
"What did I do well, what can I do better and how do I do it?" - This idea can also be carried to all other parts of their life.
"It's not the swing. The game is played in the mind." - Although we work on swings and perfecting technique, the best swings in the world won't get you success on the course. It takes smart decisions and mental stamina. We employ yoga techniques and mental game practices from the best players in the world as an adjunct to workouts and range time.
"There is no substitute for playing the game on the course." - Hours of practice under false conditions do not prepare you for the real thing.
"Practice like you play." - There are no second chances in golf; no shots alike. Practice reflects this.
DF.com: What are your philosophies for recruiting?
Kosters: A UD golfer has to want to come to the University of Dayton first. Then, they have to really want to play golf. Being a student-athlete at the college level requires a commitment much bigger than in high school. The player has to be inner driven to play well and do well in school.
DF.com: What kind of courses does Dayton play?
Kosters: We are most fortunate to have practices 5 days a week on the two courses at top ranked NCR Country Club, a past location of the PGA Championship, US Women's Open, US Mid-Amateur Championship, and most recently, the US Senior Open. NCR has two driving ranges, two large putting practice greens, fairway and greenside bunker practice areas and an area for 50 & in shots. When deciding which tournaments we attend, the quality of the golf course is always a factor.
DF.com: Where does the team travel for tournaments and what is the level of competition?
Kosters: Our tournament schedule changes every season with an eye toward giving the team new venues and different competitors. However, there are some tournaments that we always want to attend because the participation is good and the course is challenging. We travel to tournaments in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Our conference tournament was in Pinehurst last spring and will be at the historic Homestead Resort next spring.
DF.com: How does travel effect missed classes at UD?
Kosters: All student-athletes must get consent to miss class for tournaments from their professors on the first day of class. Test dates or other important dates for classes are known in advance as well as tournament schedules. It is up to the player to take a test in advance if necessary. The same players don't always go to every tournament in effort to keep missed classes to a minimum. Our best players are also getting excellent grades so it doesn't have to be a problem. We study on the road and everyone brings their laptops.
DF.com: What do I need to do in my final year of high school to improve my chances of getting on the team?
Kosters: I like to see a low handicap as a start. Right now anything below a 10 is in the ball park, but the competition in women's golf has increased dramatically this past year so that will go down. We're seeing recruits still to play their senior year with 4's and 5's now. I also like to see experience in statewide tournaments. Winning or placing high in any high school or local tournament is good, but just having the courage to compete in larger tournaments regardless of finish rates high with me too. You need to be able to play at 6000 yards and hold it together for 18 holes. Low scores for 9 holes are nice, but I look at 18-hole tournaments. Make your short game the best part of your game. If it isn't now, see the pro and get the technique right.
