Team Enters 2014 with New Coach, New Conference and New Mantra

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – With 2014 marking only the fourth year of the program's existence, the Coker women's golf team expects to follow its new mantra of 'consistency and confidence' to an impressive season.

"We have approached this season with a different outlook," said first-year coach Danny Allen, who comes to Coker after serving as assistant men's golf coach at the University of Pennsylvania the last two years. "We have really focused on being consistent and confident with our play. So far it has paid off, because as a team we have improved on our overall stroke average since last fall."

The Cobras are coming off a fall season that saw them take home three top-15 finishes in four tournaments. The strong fall will serve as the framework for the spring as they enter their first year in the South Atlantic Conference.

"The fall was pretty good for us as a whole," said Allen. "We saw gradual improvement over the four fall events and just want to build from there."

Allen will rely on the play of all-conference selection Taylor Demby, a sophomore, and junior Mallory Thompkins to be the leaders of the Cobras.

"Taylor Demby and Mallory are our best players right now," said Allen. "Taylor is currently the seventh-best player in the conference and definitely has the talent to win a tournament or two. Mallory possesses the talent to become an all-conference selection like Taylor, she just has to put together back-to-back days and stay confident."

The emergence of freshmen Taylor Gaskins and Amber Harman could also give the Cobras the boost they need to get over the hump and start finishing in the top 10 consistently.

"I have a lot of expectations for Taylor Gaskins and Amber," said Allen. "Taylor was hurt in the fall and Amber only played in a few tournaments, but both have so much potential. If the two can continue to get better day after day, then they will make us better as a team."

The women's team understands that the road to success is a bumpy one, but as a whole they have bought into Allen's 'consistency and confidence' slogan and are poised to see results.

"All we can do is focus on taking the baby steps," said Allen. "We are playing some great tournaments and facing good teams in the SAC, so we know that success won't come overnight. The plan is to keep improving and staying positive. That is why 'consistency and confidence' is the mantra we live by."

The women's golf team opens its season Feb. 1 at the Tusculum Kiawah Invitational in Kiawah Island, S.C.

Story written by sports information graduate assistant Sharod Williams '13.