With a new head coach and an abundance of potential, the Mehlville girls golf team is focused on success under first year head coach Steve Kress.

“I’m super excited because I’m getting the opportunity to walk into a team that is ready to play,” Kress said. “We’re trying to grow the program and really generate some excitement around the school.”

Senior Katelyn Burch returns as the top golfer from the 2021 season after qualifying for the Missouri Class 3 State Championships and taking 71st overall.

“Katelyn went to state last year and I think she gained a lot of experience from that,” Kress said. “I think that this season, she can play with the best of them.”

Livi Roberts is another senior to keep an eye on this season for the Panthers.

“Livi is a hard worker and a great student,” Kress said. “She brings a positive feel to the team and she just shows up every day and gets the work done.”

One player that Kress is looking forward to seeing play this season is freshman Eva Brown.

“If Eva stays healthy, I think that she’s going to make a run at state this year,” Kress said. “She has a commanding ability with course knowledge and super driving capability with distance.”

The Panthers start the 2022 season against Eureka and Lindbergh Aug. 29 at the Columbia Public Course in Illinois.