The Iona College golf team, led by Head Coach Sean Burke, looks to defend their MAAC Championship title with hard work and dedication toward performing at the top of their skill.

“I think we have a lot to work on,” Burke said. “We have a lot of talent, but we need to get a little more consistent round to round, tournament to tournament.”

Motivation hasn’t diminished from last season either. The Gaels look to achieve back-to-back titles and won’t let the glory go to their heads.

“Last year’s win does nothing for this year’s team,” Burke said. “We’re going to work even harder than last year, we’re going to get after it and we’re going to do everything we can so that we have a shot of being back to back [champions].”

The Gaels have an advantage of having the same team as last year’s championship squad. The chemistry between the team motivates them to outperform not only the competition, but each other.

“They know what it took,” Burke said. “The mindset is we’re going to do everything we can and that starts with what we did in the fall and what we’re doing now.”

Iona aims to keep itself ready at all times, but that can be difficult in the winter with a sport like golf. Burke said the weather is no excuse to take breaks – because they don’t have games during the winter, training is actually more consistent and produces better results during this break between seasons.

Although working hard is a part of the process to secure championships, the team makes sure to enjoy the journey toward victory.

“We want to give these guys an opportunity to really enjoy their experience here,” Burke said. “Enjoying the experience every time we’re together goes a long way and now we’re bonded so when times get tough, we’re fighting for each other as much as we are ourselves.”

Burke urged the team to strive for individual titles alongside the team title as well. The Gaels are likely to be successful with a bonded team and a strong, goal-oriented work ethic that isn’t hindered by former glory.

Iona will start the spring season on Mar. 4 at the 2019 Lonnie Barton Tournament in Florida.