Katie Yelle
Wakefield golfer — senior

For three years, Wakefield golfer Katie Yelle played sidekick to Courtney McKim, one of the best golfers in North Carolina. But with McKim's graduation last spring, all eyes now turn to Yelle. But it's more than deserving as the senior played a huge role in the Lady Wolverines capturing the Cap-7 Conference title in 2007. Could Wakefield do it again with Yelle leading the way this fall? The Lady Wolverines have the depth to make a serious run.

Yelle recently spoke with NorthRaleighSports.com about the upcoming season, playing without McKim and the Lady Wolverines' fresh faces.

What can you tell me about this year's team?
 It looks like it could have a lot of depth.
We have two new girls, Morgan [Schultz] and Stephanie [Pribonic] who are expected to be really good. I haven't gotten to seen Morgan play yet, but I have played with Stephanie and she is very good. Morgan is supposed to be just as good. And the rest of the team is getting better, so we should have a strong team.

Do you initially expect to have a strong team this year?
It was something I hoped for. Courtney told me about Stephanie, but I didn't know how good she was until I actually met her.
I am pretty sure we have a chance [in conference] this year. We'll be better than I expected.

How has your game changed in the last year?
My putting has definitely gotten stronger. It's more one putts and two putts than anything else. And I'm longer off the tee.

Is there a secret to putting better? Do you have any tips?
Practice. Lag putts are the best thing you can practice. And practice those five-foot putts. If you can't sink those five-foot putts without confidence, your score is going to go up really fast.
[Editor's note: A lag putt is when a long putt played conservatively to make sure the ball ends up near the hole.]

What is it like not having Courtney around anymore?
She actually showed up for the first two days of practice. And it was great. She is one of my best friends in golf. It was great to hear that she thought I got better because hearing that from her gives you so much confidence.

What are your personal goals this season?
I want to place in the Top 5 at regionals. And place in the Top 20 in the states.

What have you have learned from Coach Rick Riggleman?
I've learned a lot from him about the mental game. We always joke around and have at practice, but we also get done what needs to get done.

What do you plan to shoot during the conference matches? Do you have a goal in mind?
36-37-38. I want to shoot in the mid- to high-30s. I don't want to shoot 40 in any of our matches. I want to take Courtney's place.

It is weird to be the most experienced golfer for Wakefield now that McKim's graduated?
Yes. Coach Riggleman has been telling me it's up to me now, and it's never been up to me before. [She laughs.]

Yelle and the Lady Wolverines hit the links Monday, Aug. 24, at Holly Springs to kick off the season.