“You can do it.” To sophomore Claire Davis, these words meant so much.
They came from SHS girls golf head coach Bob Humbles while the two played together over the summer. And as straightforward as these words may seem, their impact was anything but simple.
Davis has had many mentors throughout her golf career that have helped her grow both on the course and in her confidence.
“The sport, the competition is certainly giving her more confidence … ,” Davis’ grandpa, Ken Raasch, said. “She’s getting more and more confident after every game. It’s making her a stronger woman.”
It was Raasch who first noticed Davis’ talent for golf back when she was in elementary school hitting around a wiffle ball with a golf club. A recreational golfer himself, Raasch asked Davis if she would like to play, and after a positive response, he got her into the sport.
Because Raasch lives close to a top golf course, he was able to help level up her game, even getting her private lessons from experts.
“I’m exposing her to some really nice courses up here, and she’s learning how to play different things,” Raasch said. “It’s really fun.”
Beyond improving her game though, golf has brought the two closer with one another. According to Raasch, this “common interest” allows them to have a deeper relationship.
Golf has also brought a rich partnership between Davis and her longtime coach Humbles. Although the two have known each other for years through their church, golf lets them get to know each other even better.
Their unique relationship allows Humbles to be an even more effective coach for Davis.
“It’s different… you know someone as a coach, but then you also know someone as a person,” Davis said.
Humbles worked with Davis consistently from sixth to eighth grade, but when freshman year came, the two only had occasional lessons together. That all changed, however, when Humbles was named girls golf head coach at SHS this year. And according to Davis, this change has been beneficial for her performance and enjoyment of the sport.
“I definitely enjoy it a lot more because I know him and he knows me, and he taught me how to do everything I’m doing right now,” Davis said.
Since Humbles is so involved in Davis’ golfing journey, the two understand each other and are able to work together effectively.
This mutual understanding between athlete and coach paired with Davis’ work ethic has allowed her to reach new heights this season, making it all the way to the regional meet.
“She’s willing to work as hard as anybody I’ve ever seen,” Humbles said, “and it’s paying off for her.”
Davis’ season may have ended at the Regionals match this year, but her journey is not. With the support from Raasch and Humbles, she will continue to strive to perfect her game.
And, just as much as Davis enjoys golfing, her mentors enjoy working with her.
“It’s a ball … ,” Humbles said. “She’s probably the best one that I’ve had (who has their heart in it).”
