Apopka Blue Darters

Players to watch: Jiwon Chang, who was an individual qualifier for the Class 3A, Region 2 championship in 2015, is expected to return as a senior this year. She’ll play a key role in helping her teammates develop in the coming season.

Outlook: While Coach Doug Matthews’ Lady Blue Darters didn’t place as a team at the District 5 tournament, they did send one player to regionals. We have no doubt they’ll be looking to build on that success in 2016 and beyond.

Boone Braves

Players to watch: The only member of Boone’s 2015 squad to advance from the Class 3A, District 6 tournament was Mia Edgar, and she’ll be back as a senior this year. Given that the team underwent a coaching change in the off-season, her expertise will be invaluable as the team gets ready to hit the course.

Outlook: When we reached out to the Lady Braves’ new head coach Christina Hedke, she wasn’t quite ready to give an opinion on their chances in the coming season, but we have to assume she’ll be working to help her players advance to regionals as a team. The aforementioned Edgar will play a big part in those hopes.

Colonial Grenadiers

Players to watch: Incoming junior Krista Snyder, who advanced to the Class 3A state competition as a freshman, was unable to repeat last year due to injury, but she did qualify for the Region 2 tournament as an individual at 2015’s District 5 championship. She’ll be back to lead a young team this year.

Outlook: Outside of Snyder’s return, Grenadiers girls’ coach Janine Mojica didn’t report any other promising hopefuls, but they should have a better handle on this year’s team once the new season gets underway. With any luck, the entire squad will advance at least as far as regionals.

Cypress Creek Bears

Players to watch: Like Cypress Creek’s boys’ team, the Lady Bears are excited to see what this year’s freshman class brings in terms of skills and determination, and the school’s boosters are undoubtedly eager to see what the new squad can do.

Outlook: “I am very excited about this upcoming season for girls’ golf,” says new head coach Steve McQueen. “We have a large number of girls that are interested in playing golf this season. I look forward to seeing their skills progress through the season.”

Dr. Phillips Panthers

Players to watch: Jennifer Jung, who helped lead the Lady Panthers to a 3rd-place team finish at last year’s Class 3A, Division 7 tournament before advancing to the state competition as an individual qualifier, will be back this year as a junior. Carlyle Moore, who came in four strokes under Jung at districts, also returns as a junior, and senior Isabella Kennedy and sophomore Kate Goodin are expected back, too.

Outlook: Between a wealth of experienced talent and a skilled leader in Tony Wilson, who coaches the girls’ and boys’ squads for Dr. Phillips, just about anything is possible for this year’s Lady Panthers. We would at least expect them to place as a team at the district level again, if not better.

East River Falcons

Players to watch: Following the graduation of Valentina Vago, the only Lady Falcons to advance to regionals last year, the team is looking forward to seeing what a new crop of freshmen players and potential transfer students can bring to the team.

Outlook: Despite Vago’s efforts, the East River girls’ team wasn’t able to advance in last year’s Class 3A, District 8 tournament. It remains to be seen if this year’s squad and coaching staff can take them any further.

Edgewater Eagles

Players to watch: The Eagles had an outstanding season in 2015, ranking 1st at the Class 3A District 10 and Region 4 championships. Furthermore, three of the players who made that happen will be back this year, including seniors Meghan Campbell and Sterling Jones, and sophomore Jada McCallum.

Outlook: “We are excited for the upcoming season!” says Edgewater Coach Elizabeth Smith, whose team came in 13th at the Class 3A state tournament. “The Lady Eagles were district champs as well as regional champs in 2015 and hope to continue dominating the course. Keep an eye out for freshman Alexa Harris, who is sure to be a contributor to the program.”

The First Academy Royals

Players to watch: Kelsey Lang, the incredible golfer who placed 1st at last year’s Class 1A state tournament, will be back as a senior this year. Joining her on the links will be fellow senior Morgan Baxendale, junior Madison VandenBrekel, sophomore Brooke Prudencio and freshman Taylor Zeng, who also played with the squad at 2015’s District 10 competition. Kelsey Zeng was the only member of that group to advance to the state level, but another year of experience could help them go further in 2016.

Outlook: “I anticipate a serious run at the state championship this year as a team,” says First Academy Athletic Director Will Cohen of Coach Chris Bateman’s team. Given that the Lady Royals placed 2nd in last year’s Class 1A, District 10 championship, that goal certainly isn’t out of reach.

Freedom Patriots

Players to watch: Although the Lady Patriots didn’t advance to 2015’s regional championship as a group, two players did make the cut as individual qualifiers, and they’re both slated to return. Incoming junior Hannah Oyola, who shot an impressive 77 at districts, and sophomore Jennifer Perez should both help boost the team’s efforts.

Outlook: Coach Andy Eames got his team to the Class 3A, District 8 tournament, and with Oyola and Perez returning, getting them to regionals as a group is possible. It’ll be interesting to see how the returning players develop and what new talent might be found in the freshmen class.

Hagerty Huskies

Players to watch: The girls’ golf squad at Hagerty looks to be wellstocked with talent this year thanks to three key returning players. Incoming senior Sarah Wieck and juniors Claudia Prado and Paxton Cain were all part of the Lady Huskies’ winning effort at last year’s Class 3A, District 6 tournament and will therefore bring invaluable experience to the team.

Outlook: In addition to the big win at 2015’s district championship, Hagerty also had one since-graduated player advance to the state tourney from the Region 2 competition. We’re sure that Coach Tod Benedict wants nothing more than to see his players go to regionals as a team this year, and he’ll be pulling out all the stops to make it happen.

Lake Brantley Patriots

Players to watch: Although one member of Lake Brantley’s girls’ team made it to the Class 3A state championship last year, she graduated after the season, and the squad itself didn’t go any further than the District 5 tournament. Look for incoming freshmen to shake things up in what should be a young team.

Outlook: Coach Josh Halberg is doubtlessly looking for ways to help his golfers succeed in 2016, and nothing succeeds like success. To make that happen, though, he’ll need a committed corps of incoming talent, further heightening the importance of newcomers to this team.

Lake Highland’s Britney Mangan

Lake Highland Highlanders

Players to watch: Returning players Navika Kuchakulla, who tied for 28th at 2015’s Class 1A state championship after qualifying as an individual at the Region 4 contest, will be back to lead this year’s team as a senior. Incoming junior Britney Mangan will also play a leadership role.

Outlook: Coach Linda Barnhill’s Lady Highlanders earned 2nd place at last year’s Class 1A, District 11 competition, and they’re eager to go further this season. “The girls’ golf team will be small but strong this coming fall,” says Barnhill.

Lake Howell Girls Golf

Lake Howell Silverhawks

Players to watch: Coach Scott Leman reports that four Lady Silverhawks will return this year, including Kendyll Gangwisch, Alex Kelly, Valorie Smith and Blake Yusk. They’re also looking to add some new talent to the squad.

Outlook: “Last year, we finished 6-6 and sent one girl on to the regional tournament,” says Leman, referencing a player who graduated after last season. “Our current standout is senior Kendyll Gangwisch. … Each year, she has managed to drop five to 10 strokes from her average. We are looking for her to keep that pattern for this coming season. That, combined with a tight-knit group of competitive ladies, will serve us well.”

Lake Mary Rams

Players to watch: Returning to lead the team in 2016 is 1st Team All-State golfer Jenny Kim, who will be a junior this year and has garnered a great deal of interest from some of the strongest women’s college golf programs in the country. Also returning are seniors Taylor Fisk and Haley Danford and sophomore Kayla Li. Their combined experience will be indispensable to freshmen additions Alyssa Mercado and Gabby Perlstein.

Outlook: The Lady Rams are coming off what is arguably the best season in team history, taking 1st place at the District 5 and Region 2 competitions before claiming the top spot at 2015’s Class 3A state championship. This year, it’s all about defending their titles. “With the talented group of returning players and the skilled newcomers, Lake Mary Lady Rams golf will continue to have great success both in the classroom and on the golf courses of Central Florida,” says Coach Dennis Burchill. “The team is looking forward to competing and excelling in 2016.”

Lake Nona Girls Golf

Lake Nona Lions

Players to watch: Returning players Shania Jones, Shannon Rhoden and Hayley Young are back to help defend their Region 3 title. Jones, who will be a senior this year, placed 18th overall at the state tournament, and should be even better this year as she continues to develop.

Outlook: The road to last year’s Class 3A state finals, where the Lady Lions placed 5th, wasn’t easy with power players like West Orange, Dr. Phillips and Circle Christian all competing for the regional championship. But Coach Ross DeLuc’s squad got it done, and they’re looking forward to new challenges. “We are going to be competitive this season, and our goals remain the same,” says DeLuc. “Win districts, [place] top 2 in regionals, and return as a team to the state tournament.”

Lyman Greyhounds

Players to watch: Although no returning players of note were reported by Lyman, each year’s freshman class is always bursting with possibilities. No matter how inexperienced a player might be, those with talent have a stellar opportunity to prove themselves this year.

Outlook: Lyman wasn’t able to advance at last year’s Class 3A, District 5 tournament, but a new season can always bring a new outcome. Lady Greyhounds Coach Bob Yapo’s first task will be evaluating this year’s crop of players before he moves on to helping them realize their potential.

The Master’s Academy Eagles

Players to watch: Danielle Woods and Kaitlin Chao, who were individual qualifiers for last year’s Class 1A, Region 4 title match, will be back in 2016. Woods, returning as a junior, finished 11th at the District 11 tournament and 17th at regionals, while Chao, who went to varsity regionals as a 6th grader last year, will be in 7th grade.

Outlook: Even with Woods and Chao on board, the Eagles’ ability to field a girls’ squad this season is apparently in question. “We are hoping to add additional girls to our team,” says Coach Charlie Gibson, “but if we are unable to grow the team this year, these ladies will continue to be a valuable asset to the boys’ team.”

Oak Ridge Pioneers

Players to watch: The girls’ golf team at Oak Ridge is excited to see what sort of skills incoming freshmen and any transfer students might bring to the table in 2016. The right pairing of talent and experience could go a long way toward boosting the team’s fortunes in the coming season.

Outlook: No team would have an easy go of it when they have to compete against such golf powerhouses as Lake Nona, Celebration and Osceola. Regardless, we’re sure that Lady Pioneers Coach Thomas O’Brien, who also heads up the boys’ team, would like to see his players place at this year’s Class 3A, District 8 competition so they can represent their school in regionals and beyond.

Ocoee Knights

Players to watch: One member of Ocoee’s 2015 team finished as an individual qualifier for regionals at last year’s Class 3A, District 7 championship, but she graduated at the end of last season. The gap left by her departure will give incoming freshmen a great chance to shine.

Outlook: Lady Knights Coach Sarah Mazza clearly knows how to motivate good golfers. With enough diamonds-in-the-rough in this year’s squad, they have a chance of advancing to this season’s Region 3 tournament as a team.

Olympia Titans

Players to watch: For 2016, the Lady Titans will be led by returning senior Kacie Anderson. She was one of two Olympia players to qualify for the Class 3A, Region 3 championship last year, and she’s sure to play a key role in helping the team succeed as a group.

Outlook: Olympia is coming off a difficult season after going 4-7 last season, but they had some success at 2015’s District 7 competition. With veteran coach Kim Payne-Childress at the helm, there’s hope for improvement in the coming year.

Oviedo Lions

Players to watch: Erin Barbery and Reilly Fennell are expected back as seniors this year, and incoming junior Paige Simpson will likely be on the team, too. All three were integral in Oviedo’s admirable showing at last year’s district tournament.

Outlook: Coached by Sean Gallagher, the Lady Lions are coming off a very successful season in which the team placed 2nd at the Class 3A, District 5 championship before advancing to the Region 2 tourney. With the right combination of experience and prowess from the squad, an appearance at state finals isn’t out of the question.

Seminole Seminoles

Players to watch: The team’s star player from 2015, Emily Felix, is expected to play for the Lady ‘Noles as a junior this season. The sole member of last year’s squad to play at regionals, Felix had the lowest score of any individual qualifier at the Class 3A, District 5 championship, and she’ll be a key part of the team this season.

Outlook: As good as Felix is, Seminole will need more than her to make it to regionals as a team. But with a solid new player or two and some fine-tuning of returning players by Coach Jennifer Howard, the group could put out a strong effort this year.

Timber Creek Wolves

Players to watch: The Lady Wolves’ top returning player is Sophia Hwang, who will be a sophomore this year. Hwang had a great freshman season and missed out on a trip to the Class 3A state championship by just a few strokes. Other potential returns include senior Ceci Howard, junior Alexis Mendez and sophomore Shanti Rao.

Outlook: After compiling an 11-1 record, Timber Creek took 2nd at the District 6 tournament but wasn’t able to advance to regionals. “Our team will return five members, and we should be very competitive within our district” says Coach John Quirello.

Trinity Preparatory Saints

Players to watch: The Lady Saints will benefit from five returning letter winners, including junior Olivia Wynn, junior Lily Israel and freshman Taylor Ellis, who played with the team as an 8th grader last season. All three shot under 100 at districts and should see further improvement this year.

Outlook: The Trinity Prep girls’ varsity golf team will seek to improve on their 6-4 record from last season, which culminated with a 3rd-place finish at the Class 1A, District 11 tournament. Coach Pat Kurz is expecting it to be a very competitive year against area opponents, which include Circle Christian, Lake Highland and other tough teams.

University Cougars

Players to watch: Coach Stephen Hellwege, who also leads the boys’ golf team, has announced plans to meet with all interested players at the start of the fall semester, at which time team assignments will be set. We look forward to seeing what this year’s Lady Cougars squad will accomplish.

Outlook: Playing in the same Class 3A district as Hagerty, Timber Creek and Winter Park will make it hard for a young team to make a mark at 2016’s championship. But depending on the skills of this year’s squad and Hellwege’s ability to help his players flourish, an exciting finish is attainable.

Wekiva Mustangs

Players to watch: The school will hold open tryouts for interested players closer to the start of the new school year. Dependent on the level of talent that makes the cut, this could be an exciting season of Lady Mustangs golf.

Outlook: Granted, Wekiva has to play against golf titans like Lake Mary and Oviedo, but between the graduation of some key players on those teams and the possibilities presented by new additions here, placing at districts is doable. It will be up to Coach Theo McWhite to get them there.

West Orange Warriors

Players to watch: Aly Moya, who tied for 19th overall at last year’s state tourney, should return to lead West Orange’s team as a senior. Other veterans of 2016’s championship game are slated to include junior Michelle Bagsic and sophomores Janelle Silguero and Sonia Mistry.

Outlook: The Lady Warriors gave it their all during last year’s Class 3A state championship run, taking 1st at the District 7 and Region 3 tournaments before finishing 6th overall at the big game. With four of 2015’s best players back again this season, Coach Peter Abatiello surely has his eyes set on the No. 1 spot for 2016.

Winter Park Wildcats

Players to watch: The Lady Wildcats’ four best scorers from last year’s district championship game are expected back, starting with incoming senior Katy Trimble. Her teammates should also include sophomore Nicole Rave-Torres, junior Sarah Wells and fellow senior Teri-Ann Vallee.

Outlook: Winter Park’s girls’ team had a respectable outing in 2015, finishing 3rd at the Class 3A, District 6 tournament. Though the school has yet to announce who the program’s new head coach will be for 2016, we’d be surprised if they don’t find someone with a knack for helping young golfers achieve their full potential.

Winter Springs Bears

Players to watch: The girls’ golf program at Winter Springs looks to be well stocked with talent this season, including the team’s low scorer at last year’s district tournament, incoming junior Cortney Qiu. Seniors Lindsay Paskman and Katie Swalby should return, too.

Outlook: Coach Scott French led the Lady Bears to a 3rd place finish at 2015’s Class 3A, District 5 match, proving he knows how to turn players into champions. With the core of that winning squad returning, the future looks bright for Winter Springs.