Developing talent is a lengthy process. Just ask Team Canada Women’s Development Squad coach Ann Carroll, who is tasked with coaching three new highly talented members—all under the age of 17.
Among those athletes is 16-year-old Ottawa native Grace St. Germain. The reigning Canadian Junior Girls Champion is one of Canada’s brightest young stars, but has a long road ahead to reaching her golf goals —she currently sits at No. 426 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR). As with all athletes, success doesn’t come over night— it takes time, and lots of it.
Carroll has identified some clear strengths and weaknesses in Grace’s game that will be a focal point for her first full-season with Team Canada’s Development Squad.
“She really bears down in competition. Always ready to rise to the occasion and give it her all in each tournament,” said Carroll. “This year we will focusing on getting physically stronger through her own strength and conditioning program, which will continue to challenge her throughout all of 2015.”
The pair first worked together at the inaugural World Junior Girls Championship last fall, where Canada took home the bronze medal on home soil. Grace finished T22 overall, a promising sign against a strong international field.
When asked what strengths she first noticed with Grace, Carroll’s answer was typical.
“Listen, she is into this (the program) 100 percent, I know that for sure,” Carroll added. “She’s very coachable and will go above and beyond what is asked of her.”
St-Germain’s seven-stroke Junior Girls Championship win last year at Thornhill Golf & Country Club comes with recognition, but also with added pressure and expectation to perform. Carroll, along with the supporting staff, will play an important role in balancing her expectations and mental game throughout her journey to the top.