by Ryan Steger and Griffin Powell

As the spring season kicks off at Greensboro College, coaches from various teams are eager to build upon their team’s strengths and strive for new accomplishments. From improving individual skills to fostering teamwork, Greensboro’s coaches are determined to make this season one to remember. The Collegian spoke with several coaches to get their insights on their goals, preparations and standout players for the upcoming season.

Steven Johnson, head coach of the Greensboro College golf team, has high expectations for his players this spring. The team is currently ranked 38th in the nation, but Johnson is determined to improve that standing. “We are capable of moving up, and we plan to focus on our short game, particularly from 100 yards in, as well as course management,” he explained. The team has been playing consistently throughout the fall and will continue to face top-ranked teams in the spring, which will help them grow and develop as competitors.

A key player to watch this season is Watcharakan Chankarn, who is currently ranked 12th in the NCAA National Rankings. Johnson also expressed confidence in the team’s overall talent, noting, “We have many quality players, and I am excited to see what they can accomplish this spring.”

Mallory Zelawski, head coach of the women’s lacrosse team, shared her excitement about the upcoming season, emphasizing the importance of building on the team’s success from last year. “We are looking to build upon the strong second half of last season, with the ultimate goal of reaching the conference playoffs earlier in the year,” Zelawski said. To achieve that, the team has focused on improving their on-field chemistry and teamwork, which were key factors in their late-season success last year.

In addition to team cohesion, maintaining player health is another priority. “We have been working hard in the weight room during the off-season to build strength and prevent injuries,” Zelawski mentioned. She also highlighted the importance of new drills and advanced techniques, which will improve overall team performance during the spring games.

Reflecting on the fall preparation, Zelawski said the team spent significant time revisiting the fundamentals. “Getting back to basics and learning how to work together as a unit was a priority. This will be crucial as we move into our spring games,” she explained. By focusing on teamwork, the team will be able to play more efficiently and aggressively, increasing their chances of success.

The team will be led by four strong captains: Rosanna Espinosa-Ponce, Alex Carefoot, Carly Walton and Regan Dailey. Zelawski also highlighted the contribution of Espinosa-Ponce, the team’s lone senior, who aims to break 100 points in her final season at Greensboro College. Espinosa-Ponce will once again be a key member of the midfield, providing leadership and experience. With the addition of several talented freshmen and new members, Zelawski is optimistic about the team’s performance this season. “It is going to be an exciting season, and I have high hopes for our performance,” she said.

With both the golf and women’s lacrosse teams focused on improving their skills, fostering teamwork and reaching new goals, Greensboro College is poised for a successful spring season. Coaches like Steven Johnson and Mallory Zelawski have put in hard work and preparation to help their players excel and reach their potential. As the season progresses, the dedication and drive of the players and coaches will no doubt shine through, bringing exciting challenges and opportunities for both teams. The women’s lacrosse team will open their season on February 23 at Truett McConnell University and the Pride golf team kicks off their spring campaign at the Savannah Invitational taking place in Savannah, Georgia.

The Greensboro College men’s lacrosse team is gearing up for the 2025 season with a fresh outlook, after following the loss of eight seniors and the addition of nine new freshmen. The team also brings back 10 sophomores who are ready to step up and take on bigger roles.

After interviewing sophomores Layne Clark and Colin Byrne, this is what we can expect from the Pride in their 2025 campaign. While the departure of experienced players will be felt, the Pride are determined to build on last year’s progress through hard work, leadership and team chemistry. The team’s primary goal is to win while fostering a strong family bond among the players. The offseason was composed of 24 team practices, a three-team scrimmage and team bonding activities like paintball and team Olympics, all designed to strengthen unity and prepare the team for the challenges ahead.

The underclassmen gained crucial experience during fall practices, forcing their development as they take on larger roles that they will need to step into. Key players include offensive standouts Justin Barry, Alex Mattoon and senior Leo Ringelberg who are recovering and returning from a knee injury. On defense, Colin Byrne is expected to lead, while goalkeepers Hayden Hansen and Nathan Fox are looking to both get time in the net this spring. With a focus on winning, developing chemistry and building a family-like atmosphere, the team is ready to make a strong push this season in the USA South.

For the Greensboro College baseball team, success in past seasons has been a focal point in the program. With the Pride going 24-19 in the 2024 season, Coach Fenisey hopes to build off the past success from the past couple of seasons. When asked about the upcoming goals this season, Coach Fenisey said, “With most of our starting lineup returning, we hope to raise the standard of Greensboro College baseball.” Greensboro has also retained many top key players including Brody Gardner, Chris Le, Stephen Dunlow, Michael Richards and Evan Sykes. Coach Fenisey says, “With the USA South getting better and better by the year, retaining talent and bringing in more prepares us for what is ahead.” The Pride opens up the season against Lycoming College on February 14.

With Coach Meredith Mills departure, Coach Brianna Strickland takes the reigns of the Greensboro College softball program. The Pride look to continue in their winning ways after a very successful 2024 season, going 28-15 and losing a heartbreaker in the USA South Conference Championship against Pfeiffer University. With many key contributors from last season and a bolstered recruiting class, the Pride looks to continue their winning culture. They open up their season against Centre College on February 15.