Editor’s note: Stephanie Sherlock is a junior from Augsburg, Germany who has had a better three years on the women’s golf tem than any other member in DU history.

Sherlock won the SBC Tournaent her freshman year and led the Pioneers to an NCAA Regional Championship as a freshman. Sherlock has been awarded Division I All-American Honors three consecutive years.

Her career goal is to earn her degree and play professional golf.

Zac D’Argonne: What does it mean for this to be your second straight year leading the golf team in average score?

Stephanie Sherlock: We have a very deep team this year, and all of our scoring averages are very good. It is a nice accomplishment for me to currently have the best scoring average with our team being so competitive.

ZD: Did you find it difficult to live up to the pressure put upon your after a great first two years?

SS: I felt the pressure more last year than this year because of my great freshman year. Sometimes it is difficult because you build up your own expectations and automatically feel like the next year should be better than the last.

I got frustrated early last year because I didn’t have such a great start, but I managed to finish strong.

ZD: How important was it for your team to win the SBC for the sixth straight time, and your third?

SS: Winning the SBC for the sixth straight year was a great accomplishment for the team. I know from experience sometimes it is hardest to win when you are expected to win. I was not as happy with my performance at the championships as I would have hoped because I know I could have played better. However, it was a team effort, and everyone came together when it counted.

ZD: This year, how do you look to improve on your school record of sixth place in the NCAA Championships?

SS: Our sixth place finish last year at NCAA’s really proved to everyone that we belong up there with the best Division I teams. I think we can do even better this year. I feel like the team has steadily improved all spring and is very ready for regionals.

ZD: How have you individually, and your team, grown this year?

SS: Every year I have been here the team continues to grow and get better and better, mostly through hard work and experience. For me individually, this spring has helped me grow as a player. I have made some technical changes and struggled early this spring. I have learned to be patient and trust my coaches. Changes take time and don’t happen overnight.

I have learned to understand that sometimes you have to sacrifice something now in order to benefit in the long run.

ZD: How does this team compare to the record-setting team you were part of last year?

SS: We really have a very similar team compared to last year. Sarah Faller, our new freshman, is continuing to improve with every tournament she plays.

I think Dawn, Katie and Ellie are all better players than they were last year at this time. We are excited to try and top the record we set last year.