From a quiet woman to a team captain and rock of the Waynesburg University women’s golf team. This is nothing more than a summed-up version of junior Maeve Hanley’s journey in her two-plus years at Waynesburg University. 

The journey really began for Hanley at the age of five during junior golf clinics at the Punxsutawney Country Club, where family outings with her grandmother helped form a deep passion for the sport of golf. 

“Golf has always been a family affair for me, and I fell in love with it early on,” Hanley said. 

Hanley’s commitment was really solidified at 14 when she was vying for a spot on her high school varsity team. Not only did she make the team, but it also changed her entire mindset. 

“That was when I realized I wanted to take this seriously and really compete,” Hanley said. 

Now, 15-plus years from the beginning of her golf journey, Hanley is just as giddy as the first time she hit the links, as she still has the drive and dedication to search for ways to get better every day. 

“Each round is an opportunity to learn and improve,” Hanley said. 

After graduating from Punxsutawney High School in 2022, Hanley made the decision to come to Waynesburg University with the intention to golf, although there was a time that Hanley was unclear if she would play golf at the collegiate level.

“She liked golf, but she was also doing track, and with the nursing major, I’m not so sure if she was convinced that she’d be able to do it,” head coach Mike Cipoletti said. “I think she dipped her toe in a little bit at the beginning.”

Even in that moment, Cipoletti never questioned her commitment to the group of people around her. 

In high school, Hanley only ever played nine holes in a given match, whereas college matches feature 18 holes. 

“That jump was tough; it really tested my endurance,” Hanley said on the transition. “It’s about building the physical and mental stamina to last all 18 holes.”

Hanley’s dedication to resilience has been her main mental focus over that time.

“I used to get frustrated easily, but I’ve learned that staying positive is crucial to my success,” Hanley said. 

Cipoletti echoes that sentiment, sharing a conversation that took place at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championship on Oct. 14 and 15. 

“She struggled on three or four holes, and really some of it was bad breaks. It was like, ‘oh well, you still have 12 holes to play, or 9 holes to play,’” Cipoletti said. “She’s evolved in that way, where she has figured out that it is a mental grind, but it’s one that you can win if you just stick with it and keep the mindset the right way.” 

Cipoletti noted Hanley’s consistency throughout her collegiate career, and it’s twofold. 

Consistency she brings as both an individual player and a member of the team, asWaynesburg only has four women on the roster this year, and Hanley is the only returning player.

“They want to play, they want to play together,” Cipoletti said. “(Hanley’s) the constant variable in that. They’re new, she’s been here, everyone wants to play and that’s a testament to her leadership.” 

That’s leadership Hanley has embraced, while she tries to create an environment that encourages positivity. 

“I want to be the kind of captain who helps others shine,” Hanley said. 

Abigail Noble and Julia Clement, both freshmen, and Sara Otto, a junior who’s playing in her first season on the team, surround the veteran Hanley, as even though golf can be considered a heavily individual sport, Hanley still places an emphasis on team chemistry. 

“I want everyone to feel included and supported, that’s how we grow together,” Hanley said. “We all have each other’s backs, and that makes a huge difference.”

Cipoletti highlighted Hanley’s ability to lead without being abrasive.

“She supports them, and that consistency with how she approaches every day is a really good type of leadership,” Cipoletti said. 

Clement and Noble, who Cipoletti noted both improved this fall, were appreciative of the guidance they’ve received from the captain. 

“Maeve is a great role model on and off the course; she gives good advice and is always there to help you,” Clement said. 

Hanley acting as a mentor has boosted the team dynamic and led to zero team-related issues across the board in the fall season.

“Maeve has been a wonderful mentor as well as she has helped make this transition easier,” Noble said. “I am so grateful to have an upperclassman teammate who is so willing to lend advice and a kind ear.” 

Looking ahead, Hanley is eager to further improve her game and make a mark during the spring season with specific goals in mind. 

“I want to make the All-Conference team and help my teammates achieve their goals too,” Hanley said. She also added that she wants the team to improve as a whole, and work their way up as a group.

Maeve Hanley came into Waynesburg University three years ago as a quiet woman who was unsure if she would continue golf. Now, she sits as a leader, and someone who’s making an impact on the sport of golf, on and off the course.