DeKalb | Women’s golf sophomore Sam Coyne spent her summer golfing for the Mid-American Junior Golf Tour, and that experience has transitioned to the course.

Coyne made great use of her time this summer participating in tours around the nation. The highlight of her summer was when she was crowned the overall champion at a 15-golfer competition at the University of Illinois.

Kim Kester, women’s golf head coach, has noticed the new poise Coyne has carried into the

season.

“That win was a big confidence booster for her,” Kester said. “She brought that into the season. She comes in, does what we ask, and has been using her time effectively. It has been showing on the golf course.”

During her freshman year, Coyne participated in one meet where she competed as an individual at the Cardinal Classic in Yorktown, Ind., finishing with a 178 (90-88). It was the only meet Coyne was a part of. She entered the summer wanting to improve her play.

“I was not happy with my results last year,” Coyne said. “I wanted to come in this year and play a lot better, and so far it is working.

“I knew what to expect coming in this year. I worked a lot harder this off-season, I played in a few tournaments over the summer, I was ready to come in this season and play well, too.”

This season, the three-time Bartlett High School Upstate Eight Conference honoree got her first chance to play on the team portion for the 2013 season. Coyne played last week, performing well at the Harborside International Golf Center in Chicago.

She carded a 153 (75-78), puting her in eighth place, and was NIU’s first golfer to finish an event in the top 10.

Coyne looks to build upon this early success leading into NIU’s first trip out of state when it travels to Kansas City, Mo., for the UMKC Kangaroo Fall Invitational.

“It has been great that I have been able to play well,” Coyne said. “My confidence is definitely boosted; hopefully I can have another good tournament coming up next week.”