The 2025 Warrenton girls golf season was one marked by growth and optimism for the future. 

With a program-high of 17 players on the roster, coach Kelly Anderson emphasized one quality was common across all of her players – drive. 

“The girls wanted to work and they worked hard. They were really good about coming to practice and trying to understand things,” Anderson said. “Their commitment to actually trying to get better, especially with being so young, for something that is extremely difficult was a positive for us.” 

The Warriors season came to a conclusion at the Class 3, District 2 tournament on Oct. 8 at Jefferson City Country Club. Makayla Mellegaard was the top finisher, placing 30th with a 118, followed by Paige Palmer (31st, 119), Adalyn Rader (52nd, 137), Charlee Kersting (55th, 143) and Sofia Murphy (60th, 153).

Anderson praised Mellegaard, who was 13th in the conference standings, just one spot shy from earning all-conference honors. 

“With it being her first year and she was so close, that’s something really positive to work towards for next year,” Anderson said. 

Anderson touted numerous players who picked up the sport for the first time this season and had remarkable growth.  

“Kaitlyn Schulze was able to get a score in the 40s instead of being up in the 50s, so when she shot a 48, that was our season low this year,” Anderson said. “Looking forward to next year, our goal is to definitely get in the 40s.” 

Anderson noted many of her players had started the season out with scores averaging in the high 50s or low 60s, but towards the end of the season, some players were able to average around the low 50s. 

“In the beginning of the season, they were anxious and nervous which is understandable, but by the end, the varsity and junior varsity girls were coming to matches with confidence and setting goals,” Anderson said. “Their growth mentally was really, really good to see. It’s a stressful sport and they kept their composure all season long.” 

Anderson reflected on her senior class which consisted of Kersting, Palmer, Samantha Schuette and Abagail Williams. 

“(Palmer) and (Kersting) played for the last two years and they were really good, positive influences on the girls. They set the expectation and the younger kids really followed that and saw somebody lead by example, so hopefully they can take that forward for the next coming years,” Anderson said. “(Williams) and (Schuette) were both new to the program and they were just really good kids. They came in and worked hard and that’s a good example for younger kids to see.” 

With numerous returners for next season, Anderson is looking forward to preparing her team for 2026.

“They’re getting into some junior golf leagues so I’m personally excited because I’m ready to get back at it with them in the spring with hopefully some range work and some additional stuff through the summer, so hopefully in the fall, we’ll hit the ground running with some girls that have been playing all summer long,” Anderson said.