THE SIT-DOWN
WITH LEE-ANNE MISSELDINE
Any reflections on the collegiate experience of
today’s players?
The landscape of college golf has changed
drastically in the last decade. It is far more
competitive – with more international and US
players vying for a limited number of spots. If
you are serious about playing college golf it is
important to be proactive, not just with your golf
game but with your academic preparation.
Any reflections on the experience of today’s
junior golfer?
Young people today are more connected
and more technologically savvy than ever
before. But they are also more anxious, fearful
and unprepared for life. Junior golfers are no
different, and so the need for mental skills such
as focus, concentration and resilience are much
greater. Junior golfers are not short of resources
– with any and all information easily accessible
on the internet - but there is a crisis of inner
resourcefulness to overcome difficulties and
embrace challenges.
How do you assist your student-athletes to
balance sport and school and life?
I believe that greatness requires great sacrifice.
Our student-athletes who achieved the most,
demanded great things of themselves. Of course,
we encourage healthy peer relationships and
encourage other activities and interests outside of
golf.
What’s your favorite part about college planning
and placement?
I love it when a student finds their fit and commits
to a school. I know it sounds outcome oriented,
but chemistry and “fit” cannot be underestimated.
Finding the right combination of coach, team,
academic program and college golf level are not
always easy. When the combination works, it is an
amazing feeling.
As a college preparation ‘coach’, what are you
most proud of?
I am most proud when our students stretch their
comfort zone and put in tremendous effort to do
something that is not easy or familiar to them.
When they decide to take a risk, push through
the barriers, and be more than they thought they
could, that is the most rewarding part of my job.
Granted not every student does this, but the ones
who do are sure to get the prize!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been
given?
People do their best with what they have. By
taking this advice to heart I have become more
forgiving and empathetic. We can’t always
understand other people, or their actions, but if
we believe they are doing their best, we are able
to have more inner peace and serenity in our own
lives.
Favorite home-cooked meal?
A bone in rib eye on the grill with a mushroom
sauce. Heavenly.
What is always stocked in your refrigerator?
Definitely cheese. What other food goes great
with everything and is equally good alone?
What movie do you watch and again and again?
The Way we Were with Robert Redford and
Barbra Streisand. My all-time favorite.
Where is your favorite place to travel and why?
Italy. Besides being beautiful, it has all my favs in
abundance: history, art and pizza.
“
People do their best with what they
have. By taking this advice to heart I have
become more forgiving and empathetic. We
can’t always understand other people, or
their actions, but if we believe they are
doing their best, we are able to have more
inner peace and serenity in our own lives.
– LEE-ANNE MISSELDINE
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