Girls Golf Coach of the Year: SMCC's Jeff Kansier honored
Jeff Kansier has been a golfer all of his life.
The 41-year-old played the sport at St. Mary Catholic Central.
When he became the coach at his alma mater, knew that he could not be heavy handed.
“Golf is hard enough,” he said. “I try to make it as easy as I can.”
That approach worked well with this season with the SMCC’s girls team.
More: Bucki, Cuccia co-medalists in County Girls Golf Championships
The Kestrels won the Monroe County championship, was second in the Huron League and was the runner-up in their Division 4 Regional to earn a trip to the state finals.
Those accomplishments have led to Kansier being named Monroe County Region Girls Golf Coach of the Year by The Monroe News.
Kansier knew early that this year’s team has the potential to the be the best in his four seasons as varsity coach at SMCC.
Ana Cuccia was playing better than she’s ever played.
Freshman Lauren Tolliver was turning heads in practice and softball player Tori Busen, out for golf for first time, took to the game quickly.
Combining them with talented returners Norah Kinsey, Elizabeth Zwack and Alaina Wille produced a deep and talented squad.
“I think nearly every girl was medalist at some point during the season," Kansier said.
Kansier never was overly concerned with which one of his golfers played in the top group. All of them were more than capable of holding their own against the best the other team offered.
“I paired them up by how they played together,” he said. “I never had to worry about who was No. 1.”
Kansier concentrated on making sure all of his players were taking the proper approach to the game.
“Coaching girls golf taught me to be patient,” he said. “I mean that in a positive way. My style of coaching very relaxed. Sometimes I counsel more than coach, helping the girls manage their way around the golf course”
Winning the County Championship for the first time since 2011 re-enforced to the Kestrels how good they could be.
“Winning the Monroe County Championship was a great moment for the girls," Kansier said.
Another great moment was a runner-up finish in the Division 4 Regional at Washtenaw Golf Club.
“Making it to state was our main goal for the season,” Kansier said.
The toughness of the Kestrels was tested at state.
“It was awful weather,” Kansier said. “We went out and played, then had an hour and a half delay. The girls got a little dry, but not completely dry. They were still damp and had to play another 14 or 15 holes.”
SMCC wound up 10th with a score of 435.
“The girls battled,” Kansier said. “I could not be more proud them. … There is nothing you can do about (the conditions). All these girls are competitors.”
Most of those competitors will be back next season. Cuccia was the only senior on their state-finals roster.
“I haven’t quite thought about next year yet, but we are going to have different goals,” Kansier said.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Girls Golf Coach of the Year: Patience a key for SMCC's Kansier
