Creighton women’s golf head coach, Debbie Conry, is in her 23rd year with the Bluejays, making her the longest active coach in Creighton athletics. 

Prior to being approached about the opportunity to coach the Bluejays, Conry was coaching the men’s and women’s golf teams at Bellevue Public Schools. 

“I visited with the administration in Bellevue and they thought we could make it work; so the rest is history,” Conry said. “Bellevue Public Schools and my school I currently teach at have been very supportive.” 

In her 23 years of coaching at Creighton, Conry says what she most enjoys about her job on a day-to-day basis is spending time with her athletes and building relationships as a team.

“I feel that building relationships and learning how to be a good communicator has helped me become a better coach and person,” Conry said. “I expect my girls to work hard on and off the course.” 

Conry also works hard to improve her athletes’ physical and mental skills every day.  In doing so, she attempts to keep herself updated on any tools that can help her become a better coach.

“I am always looking for resources that will help my team get better,” Conry said. “I try to attend coaching seminars and keep abreast of any new rules.”

Two of Conry’s current golfers, sophomore Sarah Eversman and junior Kelsey Petersen, said Conry has contributed to improving the mental side of their golf game.

“[Conry] has taught me to always take my rounds one shot at a time,” Petersen said. “I feel that this has helped me tremendously in scoring better because it keeps me calm and focused on the present.”

Eversman believes that Conry’s experience helps the team believe in what she is teaching.

“[Conry] has been coaching for many years and her expertise has been great for our team,” Eversman said. “The best advice that she has given me thus far has been that I should always have fun on the course. She said that if at any point golf is not fun anymore, then it’s not what I should be doing.”

Over the course of 23 years, Conry has not only coached, but more importantly has impacted hundreds of student-athletes off the course during their time as Bluejays.

“I strive to be a strong role model and always set good examples in hopes the girls will remember the importance of being confident and carry themselves with a positive attitude in life,” Conry said. 

Petersen noted that Conry’s ability to develop actual relationships outside of the sport makes her a top-notch coach.

“She makes us feel as though we can count on her for anything, and I think this helped build trusting relationships, which has allowed our team to become very close,” Petersen said. “I know that she is always there for me and that she only wishes the best for me along with the rest of the team.”

Eversman agrees that Conry has an ability to impact her players in more ways than just on the links.

“(Conry) is not only my golf coach, but she is a great person who I care about deeply,” Eversman said.  “She is always putting the team ahead of herself and has the best interest for all of us; she has taught me how to be a well rounded individual on and off the course.”

The Bluejays recently completed their fall season, featuring five tournaments. Conry is optimistic about what’s ahead for her team before they are back in action for the spring season beginning on Feb. 22 at the Grand Canyon University Invitational at Litchfield Park, Arizona.

“My team is in a great place,” Conry said.  “We are trying to improve and get better. We will continue to work hard so that we are able to reach our goals.”