A look at what to expect from the upcoming season of girls’ high-school golf

Edgewater High School’s girls’ golf team

Apopka Blue Darters

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Apopka Coach Doug Matthews expects five players to return this season. “Sophomore-to-be Laiyah Freeman, [who was named] first-team metro [in] 2016, returns in the No. 1 spot to lead the Blue Darters for 2017,” he says.

OUTLOOK: Freeman was a bona-fide freshman sensation, winding up as the team’s only individual qualifier to last year’s 3A-2 regional tournament. Outside of that, though, the squad had little to show for the year. It’s hoped that, in addition to continuing to improve her own play, Freemans can also serve as a source of inspiration for younger and older players alike.

Boone Braves

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Dina Rami, who’s expected to return to the Lady Braves as a sophomore this year, served as the brightest point in what was otherwise a fairly dismal outing for the team.

OUTLOOK: Rami was one of just two members of the Boone girls’ golf team to advance to the 3A-2 regional tournament last season, shooting an 88 at the match. Her counterpart graduated at the end of the year, which means Coach Christina Hedke has her work cut out for her as she tries to move the squad forward in 2017.

Celebration Storm

PLAYERS TO WATCH: This will definitely be a rebuilding year for Celebration, as their most notable 2016 players graduated at the end of the season.

OUTLOOK: Playing in Class 3A’s tough District 8, Coach Dan Caughman and the Lady Storm have a lot of work to do if they want to be competitive this year. Last season, they had only one player advance to the Region 3 competition, and she’s been lost to graduation. Given the school’s golf course-rich location, though, there’s always a good chance of talented freshmen joining the squad.

Circle Christian Centurions

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Faith Silverman, who led Circle Christian on the links last season, will be back as a sophomore—which means she still has three years of high-school play ahead of her and will likely continue to improve throughout. Also expected back is junior Sarah Scott.

OUTLOOK: Coach Sean Richardson and the Lady Centurions had an impressive 2016, taking first place at the District 1A-11 tournament, second place at the Region 4 match and fourth place at the Class 1A state finals. While they did lose most of their starters to graduation after last season, it’s worth noting that Silverman had the team’s best score at state, finishing 8 over par to tie for 20th.

Colonial Grenadiers

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “Colonial girls’ golf will be returning senior, three-time All- Metro golfer Krista Snyder looking to return to the state championships again this year,” says Grenadiers Coach Stephen Ohl.

OUTLOOK: Ohl adds, “[Snyder] will anchor the team for a full schedule of matches at the Winter Pines Golf Club as they prepare for the metro and district tournaments, with an eye on advancing to the regional tournament.” Last season, Colonial was unable to advance as a team past the District 3A-6 championship, but with Snyder—who shot a 71 at the match—on their side, improvement is doable.

Cypress Creek Bears

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Cypress Creek girls’ golf team is set to welcome back senior Topanga Sena. Also expected back is incoming junior Alondra Martinez-Santiago.

OUTLOOK: There’s no denying that the Lady Bears have some very staunch competition in fellow District 3A-8 teams, but their complete lack of postseason success can’t have sat well with Coach Clint McQueen. In addition to helping Sena and Martinez-Santiago’s continuing skills development, he’ll need to hope that any new members will bring some serious heat with them.

Dr. Phillips Panthers

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Per Coach Tony Wilson, who also heads the boys’ team, the Lady Panthers will welcome back five starters in 2017. They include seniors Jennifer Jung and Emma Hallson, juniors Skai Guity and Kate Goodin, and sophomore Mary Sosebee.

OUTLOOK: “This year, our team will be a very young and very talented team,” says Eleutiza. Given that 2016’s Lady Panthers ranked first in District 9A-5 to earn a postseason berth before being taken out by Riverview in the regional semifinals, new players will have some sizable shoes to fill, but Dr. Phillips’ tradition of excellence and Eleutiza’s expertise should help them realize their goals.

East River Falcons

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Lady Falcons are expecting two members of last year’s team to return: senior Cameron Cowley and sophomore Jessica Nelson. As a junior, Cowley was an individual qualifier for 2016’s Region 3A-3 championship match.

OUTLOOK: “I have always loved learning from Bob Rotella, so I am going to requote one of his that says it all: ‘Attitude would always win out over ability,’” says East River Coach Sharon Beasley. “The mental part of golf is what truly separates good golfers from great golfers.” If Beasley can get that through to her players, placing at this year’s District 3A-8 tournament and beyond is certainly possible.

Edgewater Eagles

PLAYERS TO WATCH: In 2016, freshman Alexa Harris was a sensation, leading the team at the District 2A-10 tournament with a score of 86, and finishing just behind a since-graduated senior at the Region 4 match. She’ll be back as a sophomore this year, with Catherine Kurtz and Jada McCallum returning as a senior and junior, respectively.

OUTLOOK: Coach Beth Smith led the Lady Eagles to the top of 2016’s District 2A-10 and Region 4 championships, but they finished in ninth place at the Class 2A state finals. With more than half of last year’s starters coming back this season, odds are good for them to enjoy a similar level of success, particularly if newcomers can be brought up to speed quickly.

The First Academy Royals

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Emma Zhao had a great 2016, leading the team in scoring at districts and tying for 16th at the state championship while finishing 7 over par. She’s set to return as a senior this season. Also expected back are sophomores Taylor Zeng and Ariel Yu, who both shot a 76 or lower at the district and regional matches.

OUTLOOK: Lady Royals Coach Chris Bateman brought this team to within 11 strokes of winning last year’s Class 1A state title, ultimately losing out to Lake Mary Prep. But winning District 10 and Region 4 is no mean feat in itself. With many starters likely to play again this season, they’re well prepared for another run at the top.

Freedom Patriots

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “Five of the Patriot girls will be returning to join the team with the outstanding play and leadership of senior Hanna Oyala and sophomore Emily Staples,” says Freedom Coach Jeff Beaver. “The team is expecting a duo of strong freshmen joining the team, as well.” As a freshman, Staples led the squad at the District 3A-8 tournament, shooting a 74.

OUTLOOK: “Freedom High School’s golf team is excited about the upcoming 2017 season following the summer break,” says Beaver. “With the girls going 12-2 last year and the outstanding performance at regionals, the team is ready to give another run at the state title.” The team placed second overall at last year’s district championship.

Lake Highland Prep Highlanders

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lake Highland’s girls’ golf program has five returning players: seniors Britney Mangan, Katya King and Isabella Quililan, plus sisters Caitlin and Parker Owens, who will be back as a junior and freshman, respectively. (And yes, the younger Owens sister did play for 2016’s varsity squad as an eighth-grader.) They also look forward to having a couple of new golfers join the team this year.

OUTLOOK: “Our season is competitive and fun,” says Lady Highlanders Coach Linda Barnhill, whose team plays in District 1A-11. Last year, they placed second at the district tournament but were unable to advance to regionals as a team or as individuals, but another year of experience could serve all returning players well.

Lake Howell Silverhawks

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “We graduated all players last year,” says Lake Howell Coach Scott Leman. “Starting fresh, we were able to recruit eight athletes. Many have never played before but come from other sports. They have picked up the proper swing perfectly.”

OUTLOOK: “I look forward to refining [our players’] skills as we continue to build our program,” Leman adds. “The skills that they are bringing with little experience should result in some good things come playoff time.” The Silverhawks compete in District 3A-6 and Region 2, with their district being among the most competitive in the area.

Lake Mary Prep Griffins

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Not only did the Lady Griffins have a great set of starters last year, but all but one of them is expected to be back in 2017. Sophomore Mimi Chen is definitely one to watch. As a freshman, she tied or led the team at the district, regional and state championships, and at 8 under par, was the state’s leading scorer at the Class 1A finals. Also set to return are seniors Amy Zhang, Shihan Zhou and Zixuan Zhou.

OUTLOOK: Coach Mike Jamison’s girls did their school exceptionally proud last season, taking first place at the District 1A-9, Region 3 and Class 1A state tournaments. What has their competitors quaking is the fact that all but one starter is set to play again this year. With that kind of firepower, a three-way repeat certainly isn’t out of the question.

Lake Nona Lions

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “Returning state champion Erika Smith is expected to come in strong and be ready to defend her title,” says Lake Nona Coach Zundra Aubrey, referencing her star player’s first-place finish at last year’s Class 3A state finals, where she finished one under par. “Expect Shannon Rhoden and Lisbeth Espinel to have phenomenal seasons returning in their junior and sophomore season, respectively.”

OUTLOOK: “Lake Nona’s girls’ team is gearing up for an exciting season,” says Aubrey. “The 2017- 18 season is expecting four returning players and several new golfers to Lake Nona High.” Last season, the squad came close to running the tables with first-place finishes at the District 8 and Region 3 tournaments but had to settle for fourth at state. With Smith and others back, they could go all the way this time.

The Master’s Academy Kaitlin Chao

The Master’s Academy Eagles

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kaitlin Chao will be the top returning player to watch on the Lady Eagles’ 2017 varsity team—and she’ll be playing as an eighth-grader. What’s more, she was an individual qualifier for last season’s Region 1A-4 match. The school is also excited about other extremely talented young players.

OUTLOOK: Chao and another player who has since graduated were the only members of The Master’s Academy’s 2016 team to make it to regionals. With Chao emerging as a phenom, look for her to provide guidance and inspiration to her teammates as they try to make more of an impact in their district this year.

Oak Ridge Pioneers

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kerlenz Lapaine was the Lady Pioneers’ star player in 2016, making it to the Region 3A-3 championship as a junior, and she’ll be back for her final year of high-school golf. Also set to return are her fellow seniors Jayden Smith and Paularis Gomez-Menaldo.

OUTLOOK: Outside of Lapaine’s appearance at regionals, Oak Ridge had little to show for their efforts in 2016, but Coach Thomas O’Brien, who also heads the boys’ team, will be eager to take them further this year. If Lapaine and her fellow returners can continue to improve, a team visit to regionals is within the realm of possibility.

Ocoee High School’s Anastasia Spruce

Ocoee Knights

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “Returning this year is third-year starter, incoming senior and captain Anastasia Spruce,” says Ocoee Coach Tom Spruce. “She’s Ocoee’s top Lady Knight, winning the 2016 Most Valuable Player, and also the Ocoee High School Excalibur Student Athlete Award 2016-2017 winner. She plans on attending the University of Nebraska after graduation. Also returning is incoming sophomore Sami Lepp. Sami led all other Lady Knights as a freshman and was named co-captain of the 2017 season [and] honored with Rookie of the Year 2016.”

OUTLOOK: “Last year was the Ocoee ladies’ golf first winning season in its 10-year history,” adds Spruce. “I was also honored with the Metro Conference— West Division 2016-2017 Girls’ Golf Coach of the Year Award.” The fact that the Lady Knights achieved this success in the tough 3A-7 district makes it even more impressive.

Olympia Titans

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Carei Harris, who will be playing as a junior, looks to be the only returning golfer for the Lady Titans in 2017.

OUTLOOK: Although Olympia finished in third place at last year’s 3A-7 district meet, all but one member of that team graduated at the end of the season. As a result, the coming year will be a question mark until the new squad takes the green. With any luck, Coach Kim Childress will be welcoming some talented new players to the fold.

Timber Creek Wolves

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “My No. 1 girl, Sophia Hwang, will be returning for her junior year,” says Timber Creek Coach John Quirello. “She has made All-Metro conference for the past two years.” Other members of last year’s squad who are eligible to return include seniors Alexis Mendez and Ashley Loftin, as well as junior Shanti Rao.

OUTLOOK: “We were extremely lucky last year and won the district championship,” says Quirello. “[We] lost two seniors, so [we’re] hoping we can make up the loss with the returning players.” The Lady Wolves play in District 3A-6.

Trinity Prep Saints

PLAYERS TO WATCH: All five starters from last season’s Lady Saints team are eligible to return this season. They include seniors Hannah Cavanaugh, Olivia Wynn and Lily Israel, as well as sophomores Taylor Ellis and Katie Rohrbaugh.

OUTLOOK: With Coach Patrick Kurtz at the helm, Trinity Prep finished in third place at 2016’s District 1A-11 tourney, but they were unable to go further in the postseason. As the starters have all gained more experience since last year and had more time to meld as a team, expect bigger and better things from them in 2017.

University Cougars

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lexianny Figueroa- Aguirre, who’s returning as a senior, should be one of the top Lady Cougars to take the green this season. She’ll be joined by fellow senior Samantha Roma, among others.

OUTLOOK: University didn’t have much luck in 2016, as evidenced by the fact that they were unable to place at the District 3A-6 tournament or send any players to the Region 2 match as individual qualifiers. Granted, they play in a tough district, but Coach Stephen Hellwege will need to help his golfers find a way to get their scores down if they want to make a dent this year.

Wekiva Mustangs

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior Valleyry Dieujuste will be the most seasoned returning player on Wekiva’s 2017 girls’ golf team. She’ll be joined by sophomore Ava Boornazian.

OUTLOOK: After being a non-factor in the 2016 season as far as the District 3A-5 championship was concerned, much less regionals and state, the Lady Mustangs have a lot to prove in 2017. Success will depend not just on improved play from experienced team members and some talented new members, but also strong leadership from Coach Jackie Hannaford.

West Orange Warriors

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Three returning players should have a big impact on West Orange’s fortunes in 2017, beginning with incoming senior Michelle Bagsic. Set to join her on the green are juniors Janelle Silguero and Sonia Mistry.

OUTLOOK: Bagsic, Silguero and Mistry were important members of the 2016 team that took first place at the District 3A-7 and Region 3 tournaments, as well as second at the Class 3A finals. Coach Jackie Hannaford will surely rely on them to help mold the newcomers as the Lady Warriors try to repeat or even build on their recent successes.

Winter Park Wildcats

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Although the Lady Wildcats finished third at last year’s 3A-6 district title match, all but one of the five players graduated at the end of the season. The lone returner is junior Nicole Rave-Torres.

OUTLOOK: While Rave-Torres is the sole member of last year’s post-season team coming back for 2017, she posted the squad’s second-best score at the match with a 96. If Coach Ellen Smith can help her shave some points off her game while bringing newcomers up to speed, they could go further this season.

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s July 2017 issue.