Three of Delta’s women’s golf team answered questions as the team placed third in the Big 8 Conference, specifically coming off a win at The Reserve at Spanos Park on Oct. 3.
Emalyne Lundbom, Alyssa Quilao and Savanna Carte are not only excelling in the but also embody the spirit of teamwork and community building.
Lundbom is a Manteca native who is in her sophomore year at Delta. Currently a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, Lundbom was inspired to take up the sport during high school sophomore year by a motivational PE teacher.
When I talked to her about things that really stood out during the time in highschool?
“It started with the van rides with my team, sharing laughs and experiences,” she recalls fondly.
These shared moments laid the blueprint for her love of golf and the friendships that she continues to make. Lundbom applies the life lessons learned on the golf course to her academic pursuits.
“Golf has taught me invaluable lessons about patience and consistency,” she said. As she faces the challenges of collegiate-level play, Lundbom recognizes improvement can come slowly but surely demanding mental toughness.
“Every day on the course is a step forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it right away,” she claims.
Alyssa Quilao from Pleasant Grove is a freshman majoring in athletic training. Her journey from high school golf standout to collegiate athlete is also marked by determination and passion.
In 2023, she ranked 4th in the state in junior golf tournaments.
Quilao brings five-years of experience to the team after a recent gap year dedicated to sharpening her skills.
This season has been highlighted by a score of 74 and first place individual at Elkhorn. I asked how she keeps her calm and composure out there when playing on the green.
“I’ve been playing golf for about five years now, and it’s been an incredible journey,” she said.
Quilao credits most of her success this season to Coach Tony Troncale.
“He has been a fantastic mentor, helping me in both mental and on-course strategies,” said Quilao.
Quilao’s love for the sport is clear, especially when discussing her favorite golf course, The Reserve at Spanos Park. It’s not just about the game for Quilao it’s about the laughter shared with friends and the enjoyable moments spent on the greens.Each game is an adventure filled with the thrill of competition and the joy of being outdoors.
“I’ve played there since I started, and the greens are fantastic,” she said. Outside of golf, Quilao enjoys spending time with family and friends, displaying her well rounded character.
“I want people to know that I put my best effort into everything I do,” she emphasizes.
The journey has not been without challenges. As Quilao discusses her golfing experience, reflects on the complexities of her growth in golf. She understands that progress in the sport isn’t always easy and she embraces the challenges that come with it.
“Improvement can feel slow at this level, and I’ve had to navigate plateaus,” she shares candidly.
Savanna Carte is a freshman from Bear Creek High School who is majoring in criminology.
Carte describes the team culture as “non-toxic” and her teammates as easy to bond with. “Once people are done, they are great at cheering each other on,” she said as well her favorite part about Delta is the ability to meet new people.
Carte emphasizes the positive environment within her team, noting how it encourages others and support. She feels that the connections formed through their shared passion lead to an exciting experience.
“It’s a great way to connect and clear your mind,” she adds, inviting others to try something new when asked about if others should join the team. Carte appreciates her coach’s humor which fosters a supportive environment while teaching skills.
Recently, the team participated in a Putt-a-thon to raise funds, showcasing a commitment to community and collaboration. The putt-a-thon was a resounding success with team members rallying together to achieve their fundraising goals. Local businesses and families came out to support them creating a vibrant event that celebrated both golf and community.
“It can be more fun than anticipated,” Carte said, emphasizing the joy of teamwork.
Her highlight of the season was getting two 99s on the season, both in conference play.
“I’ll likely continue playing golf after Delta, but perhaps not daily,” she said, looking forward to new adventures in her academic and athletic journey.
