Prior to the season opening with a dual at Fort Zumwalt South on September 1, Warrenton junior golfer Makayla Mellegaard feels like she’s already learned so much.
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Prior to the season opening with a dual at Fort Zumwalt South on September 1, Warrenton junior golfer Makayla Mellegaard feels like she’s already learned so much.
That’s because Mellegaard and her teammates have had the chance to work with the team’s new coach, Don Huff, who takes the reins from former Coach Kelly Anderson.
Huff has an extensive coaching career, with 47 years in total, working with boys’ teams at Fredericktown, Troy, and Mineral Area Community College.
For Mellegaard, who recently won the Junior PGA Player of the Year award for the nine-hole division in the 15-18-year-old division, Huff has already improved her game.
“This year Coach Huff has really helped me tremendously from my technique to my motivation,” Mellegaard said. “I started the season very (inconsistently), especially in my short game. With him being our coach this year, my short game has come a long way already. Along with that, at the start of the season I would critique every shot I made. Coach Huff helped me see that even if a shot isn't perfect, I can still learn from it because not every golf shot will be perfect.”
Along with the team’s only senior, Sofi Murphy, five juniors, five sophomores and a freshman, Mellegaard is excited to be part of a deep team, she said.
Huff said that, while seeing each of the girls on the team improve as the season goes on would be ideal, an important goal for him is to see each girl on the team having fun while doing so.
“I hope to make this an enjoyable experience for the girls,” Huff said. “I want them to be a part of a group that enjoys the game while being with each other. The girls seem to care for each other genuinely and are good teammates.”
Sophomore Sophia Gagliano echoed her coach’s words about what she would like to be a part of this season.
Sure, she wants to have fun growing in the game, but she also wants to see those around her succeed, as well.
“My goals for this upcoming season are to improve my score along with being more consistent during matches and just know that I have given my best after this season comes to an end,” Gagliano said. “For the team, I hope to be a positive voice for my teammates and encourage them through practices and matches. Golf can be a frustrating game at times, and it really helps when someone is there encouraging you.”
Huff said that he has goals he would like to see each girl on the team achieve, regardless of experience level.
Of course, some girls should have the loftiest expectations.
“We will try to get better each day, hoping it leads to lower scores,” Huff said. “Several girls have worked hard this summer and at the beginning of the season. Some girls would like to compete for a spot at the state tournament. Through hard work, we hope someone qualifies. With this being my first year with these girls, I have a lot to learn as to how we will stack up. But I’m pleased with their cooperation, work ethic, and receptivity to ideas. Coach Anderson left some great kids. We hope to improve and see where it shakes out against our opponents.”
