Returning from a team that placed second at conference and fourth at districts are two state qualifiers, Anna Kloeppel and Stephanie Atkinson, along with seniors Erica Crainshaw, Samantha Brunker, and Bailey Warlan. Not only are some experienced varsity players returning, but the entire JV team returns as well, which Garner says is creating some competition within the ranks.
“We have some people who will be battling for that last spot on varsity and pushing each other to get better,” Garner said.
No matter what five golfers Park Hill will go with throughout the season, Garner is seeing some especially encouraging signs of where the team could be at the end of the season.
“We’re shooting scores on our first nine holes below where we ended the season last year,” Garner said. “That’s a really good look and I hope we can continue to get better.”
Going into her fourth season as the head coach, Garner says she has always tried to instill the importance of working hard in the summer leading up to the beginning of practice whether it be taking lessons or actually playing the course.
“This senior class is the first group we’ve seen all the way through,” Garner said. “It’s made a difference and they understand what it takes to really be competitive.”
While Lee’s Summit West will be a competitive force in the conference and an always talented Liberty team in districts, the Trojans main focus going into the early matches of the season is improving their technique and make sure it pays off in the long-run.
“Sometimes the girls have to make changes early in the season because it gets harder to adjust as the season goes on,” Garner said. “Our main thing is to focus on building up so you’re performing your best around the time or conference and districts.”
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