Two years ago, the Warrenton girls golf team had just six members. 

Those numbers have certainly grown from 2023. The Warriors have 18 golfers this year, tripling their total from two years ago.

“We are very excited about the numbers we have and they’re a really good group of girls who are listening, taking constructive criticism and trying to make those adjustments already,” Warrenton coach Kelly Anderson said. 

Anderson noted the team’s skill level is not where it has been in the past, but the potential is evident. 

“Even after the first week, the girls have gotten so much better,” Anderson said. “The amount of progress that they’ve made is extremely promising for all of them.” 

With such a large team, Anderson plans to rotate the lineup to give as many players match experience as possible while maintaining a competitive edge.

“It’ll be a fluid lineup, so if you’re having a bad week, then somebody else can step in and take advantage of some match time,” she said. 

Some of the newcomers are picking up a golf club for the first time, so early practices have focused on swing fundamentals and understanding the game. 

The team returns veterans Paige Palmer, Charlee Kersting, Adalyn Rader, Kaitlyn Schulze, Vivia Grooms and Abigail Williams. 

Anderson will look to seniors Palmer and Kersting to lead the team both on and off the course. 

“(Palmer) is doing really well right now and so is (Kersting),” Anderson said. “They’re doing really good with the younger girls and making sure they’re leading by example.” 

Palmer said her team plans to create a welcoming and encouraging environment. 

“I remember my first year I was a little intimidated because everybody else on the team had been playing for a long time, so I want them to know they’ll have more opportunities and they will get better,” Palmer said. 

Palmer picked up the sport her sophomore year, while Kersting joined last season. 

“I feel like I’ve improved a lot, especially with my swing and distance,” Kersting said. 

Both Palmer and Kersting have their eyes set on making the all-conference team this season. Anderson believes they have the capability to do so. 

“They were so new when they came out for golf originally and they’ve put in a ton of work, so I’d love to see them make all-conference,” Anderson said. 

Anderson hopes her team places in the top three in the conference standings. 

Additionally, putting and chipping have been major focuses for the Warriors as they get ready for their first match of the season. 

“We’ve been focusing on that a ton because they can save so many strokes there,” Anderson said. 

Warrenton will begin its season at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 29 with a road match against Fort Zumwalt North.