Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn brings some veteran golfers back for the 2023 season. “I’m
excited that we have the experience returning that we do,” said HMS coach Cheryl Kroese.
The Hawks’ top returners from 2022 are seniors Elise Haack, Morgan Grooters and Abby Kunzman, along with junior Kinsey Schirmer and sophomore Gracie Knobloch. Rounding out the team are sophomore Jordan Wallenburg and freshman Kaylee Walker. Given the circumstances, it won’t require much time or effort for Kroese to determine her varsity lineup. “With all of the returning players and a limited number of golfers, this won’t be an issue,” said the coach.
Consistency has been a point of emphasis for the Hawk golfers. “We’ve been talking a lot about making sure we work to play consistent night to night,” said their coach. “We lost several matches last season where if we manage the course well and don’t allow one to become compounded into several strokes, we win the match.”
The coach tabbed several schools as top contenders in the War Eagle Conference this season. “St. Mary’s was solid last season and lost their top golfer but I’m sure they will be strong again this year,” said Kroese. “Gehlen has some nice returning players as well as South O’Brien.” She believes HMS is well-positioned to offer a challenge. “I think we fit in well with the top contenders in the conference,” offered Kroese. “I think this group of young ladies is determined and I’m excited to see what we do this season.”
Kroese revealed some goals she has for this year’s team. Said the coach, “I’d like to see us finish in the top three at conference and would love to see us be more competitive when it comes to Regionals this year. With the group of young ladies we have in the lineup, I’m confident that can happen.”