Patrizia Schaefer of Point Loma Nazarene University’s women’s golf team was awarded the Sea Lion Athlete of the Week award for her performance at the Westmont Invitational on Oct. 10.
Her performance included a second-place finish with a final score of five over par. Schaefer’s performance also aided in the program’s first-place finish at Sandpiper Golf Course in Goleta, CA, closing out the fall season on a positive note.
Schaefer is new to the PLNU community and has already made her presence known with her dominance on the course this fall season. Schaefer came to PLNU in August as a fifth-year transfer from Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX. Schaefer said she took the opportunity for a fresh start.
“This year I feel the desire to do well even more. It feels like this can be the year where all the hard work can finally come together to have an outstanding season with these girls,” said Schaefer.
Schaefer also said that she has been meshing well with her coaches and teammates and wants to compete well for them.
“I have been given the chance to compete for a great school, an empowering coach who is crucial for my good golf and teammates who have welcomed me with open arms, so now it is time to return this kindness,” said Schaefer.
Women’s Golf Head Coach Lance Hancock was encouraged by Schaefer’s performance at the invitational. Finishing five strokes over par, Schaefer found herself with numerous birdie opportunities.
“Patrizia’s performance at the Westmont Invitational was steady and showed a lot of control,” said Hancock. “Very few mistakes during two days of golf and when her putter gets hot, she’ll separate herself from these fields.”
Hancock preaches proper preparation and routine to the team, which has translated directly to the highlighted performance of athletes like Schaefer.
“As a team, I want these women to commit to sticking to their process of preparation versus looking for results,” said Hancock. “The results will come as they develop their personal routine and stick to that process.”
Schaefer said she’s taken it upon herself to establish these good habits in her own mental and physical preparation before competition.
“My routine to prepare for matches is usually the same every time, except for the little adjustments I make depending on the course we play,” said Schaefer. “I get lots of reps in with long shots as well as the short game, and I try to stimulate my muscle memory intensely before traveling to a tournament, so my body is naturally ready to perform.”
According to Hancock, Schaefer has filled an important role on the roster and has already taken great strides in her career and academics at PLNU.
“The impact that she has made on the program and with this team has been tremendous,” said Hancock. “She is the ideal student-athlete. She prepares for competitions very seriously. She understands how to manage her time to be most efficient. She uses her personal stats to focus on the limitations in her own game, and probably most importantly, she encourages everyone around her to stay engaged and be the best team we can be.”
Schaefer said she hopes to carry this success into their next tournament in February when they will kick off their spring season.
Cade Michaelson 
Luke Mallery