—Messenger photo by Britt Kudla team members for the Fort Dodge girls golf team are, left to right, Alani Crouse, Emma Lloyd, Braxtyn Dencklau, Brielle Crouch. Not pictured: Gracie Harvey.

The Fort Dodge girls golf roster isn’t deep, but head coach Angela Dencklau still has plenty of talent to work with as the Dodgers prepare for the 2025 campaign.

It’s been a relatively slow spring weather-wise, but FDSH is still on schedule to play its first meet on Tuesday at home against Iowa Alliance Conference rival Ames.

“We’ve talked a lot about finding ways to improve both physically and mentally every day,” said Dencklau, who is in her third season at the helm. “The goal is for everyone to be better than they were a year ago, and I think that’s attainable given all of our girls have already been through a lot of different (varsity meet) experiences.”

Senior captain Braxtyn Dencklau leads a strong group of returning pieces on the Dodgers’ scorecard. Dencklau, who has signed to play golf at Iowa Central Community College, will be joined by juniors Alani Crouse and Brielle Crouch, along with sophomore Emma Lloyd. The quartet played in every varsity meet a year ago.

Dencklau continued to improve her scoring average last season, even carding a career-low 38 in a home dual meet.

“We’ve focused on controlling what you can and celebrating small wins, which add up on a golf course,” Coach Dencklau said. “We’re also working on maintaining composure and not letting a bad shot or a bad hole snowball. Not just with Braxtyn, but with everyone.

“Golf is a game of patience and persistence. Things aren’t always going to go your way. A lot of the (potential) success depends on how you respond to adversity.”

Lloyd was second behind Dencklau in stroke average last year, followed by Crouse and Crouch.

“Emma’s swing is looking great,” Dencklau said. “It’s just a matter of carrying the confidence and good habits on the range over to the course. She’s still a young player as just a sophomore, but she has a lot of potential. She’s a competitive, natural athlete.

“Alani was consistent with her offseason work. She’s put in the time and is ready to get out there and see it pay off. Brielle has a beautiful swing. She’s making strides in all areas of her game.”

Dencklau has also been encouraged by the addition of junior Gracie Harvey to the roster.

“Gracie’s a first-year (high school) player, but a very hard worker who is determined to get better and better,” Dencklau said. “Her experience under pressure as a state (qualifying) swimmer will serve her well. She’s constantly asking questions and is fun to work with. I just love her competitive nature.”

Dencklau appreciates the diverse background of her athletes.

“They all come from a unique perspective and bring something different to the table,” Dencklau said. “As a coach, it’s up to me to bring out their strengths and maximize their potential.

“When you have a daily goal and it doesn’t go quite as planned, what can you do to still make the most of the situation? I don’t care what your (average score) is – everyone can learn from that approach. Being able to handle success, but also, fight through the struggles.”

Fort Dodge’s home invitational is slated for May 16 at the Fort Dodge Country Club.

Roster

Senior – Braxtyn Dencklau.

Juniors – Alani Crouse, Brielle Crouch, Gracie Harvey.

Sophomore – Emma Lloyd.

Schedule

April 8 – Ames; 15 – at Humboldt; 17 – at Greene County; 22 – at Waterloo East.

May 2 – Marshalltown; 6 – at Mason City; 13 – IAC meet in Waterloo; 16 – FDSH Invitational.