Cedar Rapids Washington girls’ golf team poised for more success

CEDAR RAPIDS – Long after the work on the course, driving range or practice green has concluded, you’re still likely to find the Cedar Rapids Washington girls’ golf team together.

The Warriors might spend extra time together, taking in cold treats at Dairy Queen or Orange Leaf. They might hit an area restaurant to bond over a meal. If they are in Dubuque, Happy Joe’s is the destination – a tradition introduced by Washington assistant coach Ronnie Blocklinger.

“We love our team dinners,” Petersen said with a laugh. “We like going out after practice or going to get ice cream. Any little thing we can do to just have a little extra time outside of golf just to get to know each other.”

Warrior junior Lily Belle Barker added, “Yes, we love a little sweet treat after practice or getting food after a long meet. I think we all just love to be around each other and talk about how we played as well as what is going on outside of golf.”

Sure, Washington has the recipe for success – elite talent, depth and balance – but chemistry and camaraderie are vital ingredients that have helped the team rise to upper crust of Class 4A in recent seasons.

“It really is important for them to be together and we have really tried to quietly emphasize that,” Warriors Coach Denny Goettel said. “I think they're responding well.

“Again, it's because they're familiar with each other from a year ago. Sometimes when you have a team that has kids spread out in different classes, sometimes they don't get very close, but I think this team is really close and I think that'll help us.”

The Warriors enter this spring as one of the top teams in the area, tying for second at the 2024 state tournament after winning regional and Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division titles. The potential exists for another strong campaign, especially if they cultivate that closeness to elevate one another.

“We have people who are experienced with tournament play and making it to state,” Petersen said. “We have a few new faces who are super excited and ready to be part of a team.

“I would say our dynamic is great again this year. We love each other inside and outside of practice.”

The Warriors have known each other for a long time, whether it was practicing as eighth-graders or playing summer tournaments. They balance fun with focus. The results reflect the team environment.

“We try to keep the environment light and fun making sure everyone looks forward to practices and meets,” Barker said. “I think the chemistry helps us play with less pressure knowing the team will always support one another.”

Golf is a unique sport that could mesh the youngest freshmen and the oldest seniors in the same lineup. The difference in age and maturity hasn’t been an issue for the Warriors. Goettel estimated this is the fifth straight year Washington has had at least one starter from every class.

“That really helps with our continuity,” said Goettel, noting it will be tough to replace 2024 senior Mya Messenger. We have five of our six varsity kids back and that really gives us a launching pad to have a great place to start.”

Petersen said she recalled being the underclassman that upperclassmen welcomed to the team. She has been determined to continue that custom, hoping to have the same impact on younger players. The Warriors have a couple freshmen expected to pitch in this season.

“You can feel intimidated by that but you also have to know you deserve to be there,” Petersen said. “Our freshman this year, I keep telling them confidence is the key. You know you're good enough to be here. Just play with no inhibitions.”

Petersen and Barker are the top returners. Both finished in the top nine at state last season, helping the Warriors tie for second. They were also key contributors to Washington’s state runner-up showing in 2023.

“Her game is really strong, right now, too,” Goettel said of Barker, who also plays tennis. “She'd be No. 1 on most teams in Iowa. I think she's really eager to have a big year.”

Barker is set on helping the team get back to state and contend for a team trophy. She said she wants to improve on last year’s individual feats.

“I am very determined to help the team finish at the top and personally just keep growing as a player,” Barker said. “Finishing better than last year and making first-team all-state are definitely my main goals for this year.”

Petersen and Barker share captain honors with senior Lillian Buresh.

“They’re all great with the other kids,” Goettel said. “They’re all great with the other kids. The kids respect them and that makes a difference. I think that is part of it.”

Goettel said the Warriors have played about 80 individual rounds already this spring, despite inconsistent weather. Experience has helped them hit the ground running at a time usually devoted to teaching the basics of golf.

Shay Munson and Kate Newlin were starters as freshmen a year ago. They are back and Addy Brown is one of the newcomers that can help the team that ranked second in all classes with a 334.80 18-hole adjusted average.

“She’s a long hitter,” Goettel said of Munson. “She's refined her game and really has put a lot of work into getting ready for this season.

“And then we have a freshman named Addy Brown. She'll probably play No. 4 and she's worked very hard in the off season, too. She's got some good distance in her game and I think it'll be a solid No. 4.”

Petersen, who recently signed with University of Northern Iowa, has excelled from her first competition. She is a four-year starter, placing 12 th or better at state each season. She is also coming off a Co-ed state title with Preston Haefner. Petersen also earned top-10 finishes at Co-ed state with Ben Blocklinger in 2023 and her older brother, Nile, in 2022.

Washington owns a 218-35 record with Petersen in the lineup.

“She's played No. 1 ever since she's been on varsity,” Goettel said. “She’s had quite a resume.”

For Petersen, she wants to make the most of her final high school season. She is past the pressure of determining her future and just wants to enjoy the present.

“This year, I want to play because I love the sport. I really do (love the sport),” Petersen said. “These have been the best four years of my life, so far, because I get to play golf for fun and also in competition with my friends. I just want to have a great time.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com