The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater Women’s Golf team is heading into the new season with a mix of experience, new faces and commitment to growth both on and off the golf course. Head coach Andrea Wieland is now going into her 10th year of leading the program and compares her coaching style to a golfer’s most trusted wedge, which is reliable, versatile and always ready when it matters most.
“Your favorite wedge is the one you know you can count on,” she explained. “It allows you to be creative, it’s reliable, and it helps you feel confident. That’s how I want to be as a coach, someone they can trust to help them succeed.”
The Warhawks graduated three of their top five golfers last season, leaving more room for new players to step into bigger roles. Even though that shift brings challenges, the coach views this as an opportunity.
“Some girls came back from the summer stronger, and some are still working their way back. But already, through our tryouts and qualifying rounds, I’ve seen players who have grown tremendously since last year,” Wieland said.
This preseason, the team has been focusing on skill work and mental preparation.
“I think this group needs a little more focus on skill training and conditioning than in past years,” she said. “But we also don’t neglect the mental side of golf. Both are important if we want to perform well.”
The Warhawks’ season officially teed off Friday, Aug. 29, and the coach believes the opening tournament will be the first true test of their preseason progress.
“I think that’s when we’ll really see what’s been paying off,” she said.
When I asked what would define the team’s identity this year, Coach Wieland referred to Whitewater’s athletic philosophy, which is ‘Powered by Tradition’.
“We’ve won eight straight conference championships in my time here,” she said. “But for us, the focus isn’t just winning. It’s growth. Winning is sometimes the byproduct, but the real goal is getting better every day.”
The schedule this year has traditions from previous years and exciting new opportunities. The team is looking forward to its trip to Florida for the Golf Week Tournament, which brings together some of the nation’s best programs. This season also includes a first time appearance at the Folds of Honor Invitational in Michigan, which is an event that supports veterans and active military through golf.
“It felt like an honor to be invited,” Wieland said. “It’s a chance to play against strong Division II competition while also supporting an incredible cause.”
Coach Wieland also had a message for the Warhawk community and fans. She wants them to take into consideration that UW-Whitewater’s athletic excellence is more than just the championship-winning football, basketball and baseball programs.
“We love that tradition of success, but we don’t want people to forget about the other sports on campus that give students opportunities and represent Whitewater,” she said. “Follow us on social media, come to a tournament, or just learn about what we’re doing. We want to share this journey with the community.”
With a foundation of tradition and a renewed focus on growth, the UW-W women’s golf team is prepared to swing into another competitive season.
