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103 F or University of Iowa women's golfer Jessica Ip, the start of a new season is an opportu- nity to accomplish her goal of becoming the best women's golfer in the country. "I think her confidence has evolved and grown a lot," said UI head coach Megan Menzel. "We talked about her success this summer and she came in as a different player this year. She started talking a lot about working toward being the best player, not only on the team, but in the country." e sophomore wasted no time, claiming the first medalist honor of her career while leading the team to its first title since 2012 at the Diane omason Invitation- al on Sept. 13 in Iowa City. "I know this is a team sport, but I just go out there and think about myself," said Ip. "I would rather focus on the things I can control and worry about everything else aer the round." e Richmond Hill, Ontario, native's mindset worked, as she carded a four-under par 212 and broke Iowa's program record for individual 54-hole performance held by Kristi Cardwell in 2012. Ip's individual title is Iowa's first since Feb. 14, 2008 when Tyrette Metzendorf won the Baja Invita- tional aer carding a three-round total of 224 (74, 71, 79). "She is spending more time working on her game and that is contagious," said Menzel. "When you see someone working hard toward success, you start to evaluate how you do things and change things up." Ip's teammates agree. "Her work ethic motivates the team," said junior Jessie Sindlinger. "We see how much she has im- proved and it makes us all want to work harder. She has a lot of confidence. Going into a tourna- ment, she knows she can play with anyone and that she can be the best. She is mentally strong. "She is a leader, but not a vocal leader. She leads by example. She knows what she needs to work on every week and we know we can count on her to show up and compete." While Ip's teammates are confident in her ability to step up for competition, she is better known for her dry humor during practice. "She is very sarcastic," said Sindlinger. "She has a dif- ferent sense of humor, but we like it. She makes us laugh a lot." Senior Amy Ihm echoes Sindlinger's sentiments. "We all see a different side of her," said Ihm. "When we are out practicing, she is in her element. She is outgoing. Everyone gets along with her so well." All laughs aside, Ip's success is much like the 2015- 16 season — just beginning. "She is a very hard worker and I think she holds everyone together in that respect. is is just the start for her," said Menzel. "I think she is one of those people that is able to accomplish anything she sets her mind to." OCTOBER SCHEDULE Oct. 5-7 at New Mexico State Aggie Invitational (Las Cruces, N.M.) Oct. 12-13 at Pinehurst Challenge (Pinehurst, N.C.)