Optimism and potential are two words that define the girls golf team at Oakville this season.
The Tigers’ optimism circles around new head coach Austin Willis, who spent 11 years at St. Pius X High School in Festus as the head coach of the boys and girls golf teams. Willis has a reputation for taking players and teams to the state championships and believes that Oakville is a program that has a lot of potential.
“Our goal is to have at least one player qualify for the state championships each year,” Willis said. “I’m optimistic in that we’ve got veteran players that have some potential.”
But the most important thing the Tigers’ head coach wants to teach his players is to have fun and fall in love with the game.
“Golf is a hard and frustrating game,” Willis said. “Our main goal is for everyone to have fun because golf teaches life skills and it’s a good way to socialize with others.”
Oakville’s potential this season circles around a trio of seniors in Alivia Schnur, Addy Evans and Delaney Hagen. The Tigers’ head coach is also excited to have seniors Macey Parrent and Aubree Pikul as a part of this year’s squad.
Schnur comes into the season with a consistent approach to the game as well as focusing on being a leader on this year’s team.
“I’ve heard that she’s improved a lot since her freshman year,” Willis said. “She’s hitting the ball consistently, and she looks like she knows what she’s doing, which is a great way to start the season.”
Evans is another senior who is approaching the 2026 season with the drive to continuously improve her game.
“Addy is striking the ball really well so far this season,” Willis said. “She’s asking a log of questions on how to play better, which is always good to see.”
Hagen is a solid golfer who is known for her long game.
“Delaney is probably the one that will hit the ball the farthest for us,” Willis said. “She’s also asking lots of questions, which you really like to see as a head coach.”
The Tigers open their 2026 season on Sept. 1 as they take on Mehlville at The Club at Castle Bluff in Oakville.