Feb. 25, 2005

There's a cliché in collegiate athletics that says you never rebuild, only reload. Texas State women's golf coach Dacia Mackey would like to think that statement will describe her team in 2005, after the Bobcats finished second in the Southland Conference a year ago.

Mackey's team is one without much experience. Four underclassmen -- two freshmen and two sophomores - dot a roster of just six for the Bobcats, but Mackey says that this team's youth will be its strength in 2005 and beyond.

"This team's strength is its youth, especially the sophomores. It's a rebuilding year for us, but I've always got high expectations for the team," Mackey said. "This year it's just going to take a lot more work. The team's dedication and work ethic will determine this season and the future for our team."

The Bobcats do return two players that received all-conference honors from a year ago. Liz McCoppin was named to the Southland Conference second team, while Danielle Mask earned Honorable Mention honors for the Bobcats in 2004. Mackey says she expects the duo to lead the team in 2005.

"This is a young team, but I do have one senior, Liz McCoppin, that's been to the Southland Tournament, and she's got what it takes to lead this team on the course," Mackey said. "Danielle Mask is another player that didn't play her best at the Southland Conference Tournament last year, but she's trying to make up for it this spring and should provide leadership for us."

Texas State's second place finish a year ago was the second runner-up finish in a row for the Bobcats, who won the conference tournament in 2002. This season, Mackey said it will take something extra to get this team to the top of the Southland Conference.

"The first year we won the tournament was very competitive, but we were on another level from the rest of the conference. Since then, the other schools have stepped it up, and it's very cut-throat out there. You don't go out there assuming a win anymore," Mackey said.

Texas State made one more addition to the women's golf program in assistant coach Rhyll Brinsmead. According to Mackey, Brinsmead is an outstanding addition to the coaching staff. Brinsmead was a three-year player for Texas State, and now joins Mackey to guide the six-member Bobcat golf squad.

"She's come a long way since she first came here. She always had the passion, but recently has really become a student of the game. She's a hard worker that's eager to learn and is a great addition to our team," Mackey said.

The Bobcats will compete in six events this spring, highlighted by the Bobcat Invitational April 4-5 in Kyle, Texas, and the Southland Conference Tournament April 11-13, in Trinity, Texas.