For the first time in at least four years, the LHS girls golf team made cuts at tryouts.
“Many of our competitors this season also cut girls, as golf is becoming more and more popular in our Lake County area. More people are playing, and the talent pool has increased quite a bit, too,” golf coach Greg Pedersen said.
In the past, an average of two freshmen would try out in the beginning of the season. However, this year the numbers rapidly increased.
“Eight freshmen tried out this year. We’d like to have this every year; it’s a sign of a healthy program,” Pedersen said.
The golf team attributes the increase in participants to several factors, the first being the senior’s advertising to the freshmen. This year at freshmen orientation, over 40 girls picked up information about the team.
“It’s not that active of a sport and the seniors are really great at advertising it,” senior golfer Anna King said.
According to Pedersen, other schools in the area have also been making cuts, such as Lake Forest High School and Warren High School. This can be attributed to budgetary concerns, as the team can only afford to pay for so many girls’ equipment and uniforms. Also, the team wants to have only enough people so that the best girls can play in every match.
This year at LHS, girls golf has become more competitive due to the strong talent.
“The girls talent-wise have caught up to the boys,” Pedersen said.
So far this season, the 21 girls are 5-0 and have shot their best score in four years, at 168 points. Junior Camilla Ou has earned medalist honors in four of the five matches.
“Golf is a lifelong sport. It is very enjoyable and the team is supportive and fun,” senior golfer Emilie Teitz said.