YOUNGSTOWN — Since taking over as a head golf coach at Cardinal Mooney High School in 2018, Mary Theresa Bellino has guided both the men and women teams and individual players to consistent success..
In her six seasons at the helm, Bellino has sent a representative to the state tournament in all but one year, a testament to her steady leadership and the talent she’s nurtured. After taking over the boys program in 2021, she led the team to three consecutive state tournaments, including the 2024 campaign.
“I’ve been blessed with great kids — they’ve all been pretty good golfers,” Bellino said. “I’ve just told them to stay focused, don’t get nervous, and play like you know how to play.”
Junior Katie Pregibon, who will compete individually this weekend in the state tournament at Akron Firestone, said that Bellino’s mental approach to golf has helped her.
“As everyone knows, golf is very mental, so it’s great to have a coach who helps us keep everything in perspective,” she said.
Her straightforward philosophy and calm demeanor have been key to the program’s success. Bellino emphasizes focus and composure on the course, helping her players navigate the pressure of competition.
“Our main theme is ‘one match at a time,’” she said. “I try to establish a level of respect between players and coach. Again, I’ve had such great players, so that hasn’t been hard to accomplish.”
Junior, Dante Turner, who will compete in his third state tournament greatly appreciates Bellino’s coaching.
“Coach Bellino has a lot of knowledge of the game, and she’s a great teacher, too,” Turner said. “She always has important coaching points for any situation that presents itself.”
As stressful as golf can be, Bellino’s players all speak about her ability to keep them mentally engaged.
“Coach Bellino has a very calming disposition,” junior Alex Eckstein said. “She continuously drives home the idea of just taking one shot at a time, and that goes a long way in keeping us from getting too high or too low.”
Bellino may stress “one match at a time,” but that doesn’t mean she’s unaware of the golf program’s tradition or its expectations.
“All the strengths coach Bellino brings to the team are all connected by her standards,” Turner said. “She expects to win – and she wants us to win. She’s genuinely invested in our individual and team success.”
All of these attributes form a very tangible force as the players head into this weekend’s state competition.
“If we stick to our philosophy, and play like we’re taught, then I can see us winning the tournament this weekend,” Eckstein said.
Turner echoed his teammate’s thoughts.
“We’re not going to place second or in the top 5 – we’re going to state to win,” he said. “We’re familiar with the course – it’s one we can attack – so we’re approaching this weekend to win a championship.”
The Cardinals won the state tournament in 1988 and 1989. Rocco Turner, a 2024 graduate, won the individual state title in 2022. Last season, Eckstein finished second to help the team to an overall third-place finish.
Follow all of this weekend’s actions here:
Cardinal Mooney High School
2545 Erie Street
Youngstown, Ohio 44507
Phone: 330.788.5007
Fax: 330.788.4511
