This year the expectations are high for the golf teams with experienced golfers returning for the girls and boys.

Sophomore Lilly Raymond returns to lead the girls a year after she reached the State Meet. On the boys side, two-time state qualifier Cory Case returns for his senior season. Coach Angela Chancellor expects more to join Case and Raymond as they work to return to the state’s biggest meet.

“We feel like we have some individuals that are capable of doing that on the boys and the girls side,” Chancellor said.

Senior Seth Ferguson returns as a key leader on the boys side with Case. Returning senior Max Raymond and sophomore Parker McGehee will also provide crucial experience for the boys in both the District and Region tournament.

On the girls’ side, sophomores, Jamie and Gracie Ingalls join Raymond as leaders. Raymond, Jamie and Gracie all qualified for the Region tournament last year, and have hopes to make a return.

The golfers look to each other to help with team morale on the course. Jamie Ingalls said Case and Raymond are strong leaders.

“Cory just compliments everyone, even if they’re doing bad,” Jamie Ingalls said. “And Lilly because she has the most experience, but she’s also really sweet.”

Case has been playing golf since he was about 4. He loves to go to practice and motivate his teammates to try their best. His favorite player is Tommy Fleetwood.

Raymond has been playing since she was 9 years old. Her dad started playing in college and wanted his daughter to start playing earlier. Raymond said she likes that golf is an individual sport and that you have space to feel free.

“Having fun is the best way to keep a good mentality,” she said.