University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Smith Previews Spring Season
2/1/2022 5:00:00 PM | Men's Golf
The University Minnesota men's golf team opens the spring season on February 4 at the Big Ten Match Play in Palm Coast, Florida. In advance of the competition, head coach Justin Smith sat down with GopherSports.com to give his thoughts on spring expectations, the recent hiring of assistant coach Robert Bell and much more.
GopherSports: What are your expectations for the spring season?
Justin Smith: Our expectations never change for our program. Our student-athletes have worked incredibly hard at the end of last fall and in the winter months to make sure we are putting ourselves in contention to win golf events this spring. I am so proud of the work and leadership our team has improved on over the last few months that will allow us to have a very successful spring. I am really looking forward to seeing our student-athletes compete against the best teams in the country.
GS: What event are you most looking forward to?
JS: The Big Ten Match Play is always a special event each and every year. We are able to take a few extra players and get them prepared to compete against our conference teams. The Valspar Collegiate is one of the best events in college golf with the best teams in the country. As a competitor and where we are taking our program, you always want those opportunities each and every week. We will look forward to going to southeast Florida in late March for an incredible opportunity to play against the best.
GS: What will success look like this spring?
JS: We talk about how we define success all the time. Success for us is improving every day in all aspects of being a coach and student-athlete. Are we doing the work needed on the course, in the classroom and in the community? Are we representing the Maroon and Gold well every day? Obviously, we want to win every tournament we play and be in contention to win championships, but it's about the work we do and what we commit to as a team. That's what we focus on more than anything and that is how we will determine how successful this spring is.
GS: Are there any individual golfers that are expected to make waves this spring?
JS: I am excited to see the improvements all our student-athletes are making going into the spring. There is a determination to get in contention and win golf tournaments from several of our team members. Will Grevlos has really improved and we all know that when his game is in form, he can compete with anyone. I am excited to see him compete consistently this spring.
GS: Robert Bell was recently announced as assistant coach of the program. What type of impact will he have this spring and moving forward?
JS: We all are really excited to have Robert back in the program. Robert has an extensive playing and teaching resume and he will be able to help our players develop their games in every area. His passion and determination to help get our program back to a national power is so infectious. Our team already feels his energy and I know this will allow us to achieve our goals at Minnesota.