Former Ceres High basketball star Vanessa Morris will coach Central Valley's varsity girls golf team this season.
"I may not have played golf at a high level but I know what it takes to be competitive," she said.
Three of the Hawks' five players are returners, including Wynter Bratenas (So.), Martina Bernal (So.) and Claudia Diaz (Jr.).
Jocelyn Camarillo (So.) and Lizette Martinez (Fr.) round out Central Valley's lineup.
"I like being out there on the course with the girls," Morris said. "They're upbeat. They show up to practice. They want to learn. They're passionate about golf."
Said Bratenas: "She (coach Morris) is pushing us in a good direction. She has a great work ethic. We really like her."
Central Valley will practice three times a week at St. Stanislaus Golf Course during the Western Athletic Conference season. Home matches are played at the same site, located at 5000 Crows Landing Road.
"Basketball is go, go, go," Morris said. "Golf is slow-paced. It's a different atmosphere. It's fun and relaxing. I really like it. I hope we get better every practice and match."
Central Valley fielded its first-ever girls golf team in 2005. The Hawks have won just 11 of 64 conference matches. Central Valley compiled a 1-13 record last season.
"I'm going to do everything I can to give them (my players) the necessary resources to be successful," Morris said. "By bringing different people in, I can make them better. I don't pretend to know everything."
Said Bratenas: "I think we're going to do a lot better this year."
Kevin Love, St. Stanislaus golf pro, offered to pass on his expertise.
When asked if she wanted to coach at Central Valley during future seasons, Morris said: "I plan on being here for more than one year. Ultimately, it's about the kids. I don't want to leave them hanging."
Vanessa substitute teaches at Blaker-Kinser Jr. High School.
She's also helps coach varsity girls basketball at CHS.
"I may not have played golf at a high level but I know what it takes to be competitive," she said.
Three of the Hawks' five players are returners, including Wynter Bratenas (So.), Martina Bernal (So.) and Claudia Diaz (Jr.).
Jocelyn Camarillo (So.) and Lizette Martinez (Fr.) round out Central Valley's lineup.
"I like being out there on the course with the girls," Morris said. "They're upbeat. They show up to practice. They want to learn. They're passionate about golf."
Said Bratenas: "She (coach Morris) is pushing us in a good direction. She has a great work ethic. We really like her."
Central Valley will practice three times a week at St. Stanislaus Golf Course during the Western Athletic Conference season. Home matches are played at the same site, located at 5000 Crows Landing Road.
"Basketball is go, go, go," Morris said. "Golf is slow-paced. It's a different atmosphere. It's fun and relaxing. I really like it. I hope we get better every practice and match."
Central Valley fielded its first-ever girls golf team in 2005. The Hawks have won just 11 of 64 conference matches. Central Valley compiled a 1-13 record last season.
"I'm going to do everything I can to give them (my players) the necessary resources to be successful," Morris said. "By bringing different people in, I can make them better. I don't pretend to know everything."
Said Bratenas: "I think we're going to do a lot better this year."
Kevin Love, St. Stanislaus golf pro, offered to pass on his expertise.
When asked if she wanted to coach at Central Valley during future seasons, Morris said: "I plan on being here for more than one year. Ultimately, it's about the kids. I don't want to leave them hanging."
Vanessa substitute teaches at Blaker-Kinser Jr. High School.
She's also helps coach varsity girls basketball at CHS.
