Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s golf team is currently 1-3 in the midst of a rebuilding year.

This is coach Tom Harry’s first year coaching golf, but he has years of experience coaching other sports.

During the past couple of seasons, the Saints have lost some very good golfers. This year, they are a team with the potential to surprise some of their competitors.

Their only win of the season so far came in their last match against Atlantic Shores Christian School.

The top golfers for NSA are Robert Joyner and Steven Utley, who are the senior captains. Utley is expected to be NSA’s top golfer in most matches. Austin Guies and Kelly Provost round out the top four spots.

Harry sees his team wanting to get better, which has made his first year coaching a smooth transition.

“It’s just great to be around these kids,” Harry said. “They work hard, and they want to be really good. They are model student-athletes and are funny. The kids have a sense of humor, which makes things fun whether it be practice or matches.”

Harry is impressed by how well his team takes direction. NSA has reduced its total team scores in three of its last four matches. The Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools has good teams in the upper half of the conference.

NSA isn’t expected to be a top team this season, but it has the pieces to make matches difficult for some of the top teams.

“There are some tough teams in the conference,” Harry said. “But I believe we have a good team, and it’s possible we can finish in the middle of the pack this year.”

NSA will start conference matches Monday, when the Saints take on Norfolk Collegiate at Lambert’s Point Golf Course at 4 p.m.