Recently we had a chance to speak with Michelle Raymond, St. Francis (PA)’s outstanding women’s golfer.  Entering her final season, Raymond is a three-time all-conference performer and is a two-time NEC Tournament individual champion.  Raymond finished first at the 2002 event, winning in a playoff after firing an NEC championship record  79-77-156.  Her performance lifted St. Francis (PA) to the team title for the third time in four years, as the Red Flash shattered the tournament record by 44 strokes.  During the 2001 campaign, the Montreal, Quebec native tied for second place individually, while the Red Flash claimed second place overall. As a freshman she captured NEC individual honors, while leading St. Francis to its second straight team championship.  Raymond and her Red Flash teammates take to the links at 2003 NEC Golf Championships on April 22-23 at Colts Neck Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey.

Name: Michelle Raymond
School: St. Francis (PA)
Sport: Women’s Golf

Year: Senior
Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
High School: Pierre-Laporte
Major: Accounting & Management
Notable Awards: 1999 Individual Champion, 2002 Individual Champion, Three-time All-Conference Performer  

Favorite TV show: CSI 
Favorite Music: Everything 
Favorite Professor: Mr. Rager 
Hobbies: Reading, watching movies and listening to music
Favorite Golfers: Annika Sorenstam and Fred Couples

NEC: Why did you choose to come to St. Francis?
MR: I liked the small university and they had a great golf program. The classes are small, so we have more of a one-on-one relationship with the teachers. The teachers know you personally and there are a lot of great people here, so I thought it was a good fit for me. 

NEC: What career do you wish to pursue after graduation?
MR: Something in accounting. I also want to keep golf in my life, so I might get involved with coaching or turn pro in the future.  

NEC: How does it feel to be a three-time All-Conference performer?
MR: Great! I work hard, so I am happy to see the results. I have a lot of support from family and everyone at St. Francis. 

NEC: What was going through your mind during the playoff at last year’s championship?
MR: I was excited and nervous at the same time. I had some trouble last year, so it was great to win. I wanted to win for myself and for everybody who helped me. I was thinking,” If I win I win, if I don’t then I tried my best.”

NEC: Do you feel any pressure since you are the returning individual champion?
MR: There is always some pressure and there is a lot of competition this year. Every shot is important and I have to give 100% all the time.   

NEC: How are you preparing for the Championships?
MR: A lot of practice and having confidence is the key. In golf, you never know what can happen.  

NEC: What will it take for St. Francis to repeat as NEC champions?
MR: We need to play well and be confident. We are really strong and have good players. We need to help each other and keep our spirits high. We need four good scores, so team is important.

NEC: Who is your biggest competition at the Championships this year?
MR: My own teammates are my biggest competition. Veronica Lopez from LIU is also very good and had a great fall season. They have a strong team and a great coach, making them the team to beat. 

NEC: What is your role on the team?
MR: I try to prepare the team for next year and give my support to the underclassmen. I tell them to have fun and try to motivate them to practice and be happy on the golf course. 

NEC: What have you learned from playing golf at St. Francis (PA)?
MR: So many things. I have to trust myself and have more confidence. I learned that as a team we need to be closer and there for each other. Winning as a team is very special. I learned how to work really hard on and off the course. 

NEC: How long have you been playing?
MR: I started when I was 12 years old.  

NEC: How did you get started?
MR: My dad is a big golfer. He always brought me to play and I met friends there that all played, so I got interested. 

NEC: Where is your favorite place to play?
MR: Back home at Green Dale Country Club.  

NEC: Who are some people that have influenced you the most?
MR: My parents have been very supportive. Also Bob Hahn, the men’s golf coach, has helped me a lot. My boyfriend influences me as well. He is a good golfer, so he helps me a lot. 

NEC: What’s the most important attribute a golf player needs?
MR: Perseverance. Golf is really hard. One day you have it and the next day you don’t. You always need to work and improve. You can always be better.

NEC: What is the most memorable moment in your athletic career?
MR: Winning my two NEC titles, team and individual. Last year’s win was very important to us. Taking back our title and the win in the second hole playoff was great. 

- Interview conducted by Dawn Van Cleef, NEC Administrative Intern