Konieczny sisters, and their father the coach, lead Geibel Catholic golf
By Lori Padilla
Contributing Writer
CONNELLSVILLE — Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School women’s golf is back, with the Konieczny sisters as the exclamation point.
Junior Caroline and freshman Claire, teammates on the first-year all women’s team, are excited to make their presence known and to bring success to the team.
Since age 6, Claire has been swinging golf clubs with her father Brian, who is the team’s coach.
“There is such a rush when you win. Golf is all in your head and if you can focus, nothing can stop you,” Claire said. “It is a good time to pray to keep yourself on track.”
The sisters are parishioners of St. Joseph Parish, Everson, where they have both served at Mass.
They spend many hours practicing, and enjoy having their father as their coach.
“I like having my dad as the coach. When I’m playing, he can help with good advice as a coach but he can also be supportive as my dad,” Caroline said.
Claire qualified for the PIAA championship match and Caroline is an alternate.
“I was sad that my sister didn’t qualify,” Claire said. “My sister and I are each other’s biggest competition.”
Patricia Nickler, Geibel Catholic principal, said, “These girls are great role models for those who have never golfed before but have an interest in it. The school looks forward to years of strong golf teams. The Koniecznys are not only strong in this sport, but also academically strong.”
Caroline and Claire Konieczny take a break from practicing with Claire preparing for state competition Oct. 15 at Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort. The sisters are teammates on Geibel Catholic’s first women-only team.
As the season is finished for Caroline, she looks forward to continued practice with her sister but also looking into her future plans for school and career. “I am hoping to go to medical school to be able to focus on the health of people’s hands. The faith that I have been raised with to continue to compete will be the same growing faith I’ll need to stay positive with myself as well as helping others.”
