Girls golf: Scouting the Fox Valley
Bartlett-South Elgin-Streamwood co-opCoach: Bret Anderson
Top returning golfers: Senior Kristie Toondarack (Streamwood), juniors Brynn Warrick (South Elgin), Teagan Pompa (South Elgin), Molly Mehta (South Elgin)
Key newcomers: Sophomore Linsey Toondarack (South Elgin), Freshman Chloe Crosby (South Elgin)
Outlook: Warrick is the top returning golfer from last year with a 47.3 average for nine holes. She was a sectional qualifier a year ago. Kristie Toondarack also is back after averaging 49.4 last season. "We have about six or seven golfers who could contribute to our team score at each match," said Anderson. "This is helpful since we won't necessarily have to rely on the same four golfers each time. Additionally, they all have high school golf experience and most at the varsity level." Anderson said consistency will be a key this season. "Consistency comes through proper technique and plenty of practice," he said. "We need more repetition at this point. Mental toughness is needed at the practice facility as well as on the course. They must be able to grind out a good score when they don't have their best game." Anderson is looking forward to an improved 2015 season. "I am optimistic," he said. "We should be competitive within our conference as a team and we have a decent shot at qualifying multiple golfers for the sectional."
Burlington Central RocketsCoach: Kyle Nelson
2014 finish: 7-5 in duals, second Big Northern Conference
Top returning golfers: Seniors Josie Kurosky, Melanie Croke, juniors Kendra Graham, Emma Peroni, sophomores Carli Niesel, Cami Marach
Key newcomers: Freshmen Sydney Killeen, Brianna Benjamin
Outlook: Kurosky qualified for the state meet a year ago. "We are really excited about the leadership on this team this year," said Nelson. "Our returning girls are setting a great example for the younger girls as they grow as golfers and learn the game."
Crystal Lake 155 co-opCoach: Kyle McCaughn
2014 finish: 9-0 duals, Fox Valley Conference and regional champions
Top returning golfers: Seniors Lauren Kalamaras (Cary-Grove), Brittany Reid (Cary-Grove), Mariah Krueger (Crystal Lake South), juniors Julie Newton (Crystal Lake South), Hannah Puma (Crystal Lake Central), Rylie Schurter (Crystal Lake Central)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Kathryn Bevill (Crystal Lake Central), Emily Mueller (Cary-Grove)
Outlook: Kalamaras and Reid both were all-Fox Valley Conference performers a year ago. "We have two very strong senior leaders who will help a very young team mature and grow," said McCaughn. "Lauren and Brittany both return after great seasons last year. We are young this season and just need experience on the course. It's a positive outlook with some nice leaders to show the way."
Dundee-Crown ChargersCoach: Laurie Herb
Top returning golfers: Senior Kylie Kost, juniors Mikayla Frey, Leah Andersen,
Key newcomers: Senior Julia Czubacki, sophomore Mia Smiley, freshmen AlyssaTrebatt, Hannah Gestrich
Outlook: Kost's is the team's No. 1 golfer and also the captain. "We are looking forward to working with Kylie, our captain, and returning players Mikayla and Leah, who are all looking very strong," said Herb. "We also are looking forward to the experience and talent our new players will bring to the team."
Huntley Red RaidersCoach: Ann Christiansen
2014 finish: 4th place Fox Valley Conference
Top returning golfers: Seniors Gabriella Veljkovic, Lexi Lowitski, juniors Nicole Gordus, Caroline Giorji, sophomore Katie Weidner
Key newcomer: Freshman Natalie Veljkovic
Outlook: The Red Raiders are off to a solid start with a pair of third-place finishes at Marian Central and in their own Huntley invitational. Gordus is coming off an impressive summer where she won 7 tournaments and was named player of the year in the Junior Division of the McHenry County Junior Golf Association. "From what I've seen in the last two tournaments (Marian Central and Huntley), I think we have a chance to have a great season," said Christiansen. "They want to have a great season. The varsity team worked hard all winter." Christiansen noted numerous players took an offseason golf program administered by Crystal Woods' J. Anderson and two players participated in a weeklong golf training program with Anderson over last spring break.
Jacobs-Hampshire co-opCoach: Megan Placko
2014 finish: Third place Fox Valley Conference
Top returning golfers: Seniors Julia Beaugureau (Jacobs), Sydney Goll (Jacobs), Emily Klein (Jacobs), juniors Stephanie Fiorentino (Jacobs), Nicole Durben (Jacobs)
Outlook: The Jacobs-Hampshire co-op has 27 players on the team this fall. "We have a very large team," said Placko. "Girls always are competing for playing spots. The competition is making the girls work hard at practice." Placko has five returning golfers from last year's squad. "It should be a strong season," she said. "We are looking to improve our postseason record. We are looking at having our most successful season to date. Some of the girls have practiced hard over the summer and it shows. Their scores are dropping and they are getting more confidence on the course." The team also has plenty of newcomers on the roster. "We have a lot of new girls on the team who can contribute to a successful season," said Placko. "We have a lot of new freshmen. Any of them have the potential to step up and play on the team."
St. Edward Green WaveCoach: Caiti Childers
Top returning golfers: Jordan Mattas, Abrianna Scheuers
Outlook: Mattas is the team's No. 1 golfer and a player to keep an eye on this season. "Jordan will be a force," said Childers, a former golfer in the St. Edward program. "Jordan only is a sophomore and she is a power hitter. Her short game is coming along and she is serious about the sport. She has a natural competitive attitude. I feel she will be going far this season." Childers is looking at this season as a building one for the program. "My main goal is to make sure they all have fun, but stay serious and competitive in the process," she said. "We are mainly focusing on the short game the first few days of practice. Like all golfers can relate, the short game always can be improved. My focus is on making sure the girls have fun. They are learning the game. It will be a fun season."