The Park Hill South girls’ golf team will be rebuilding this season with Cate Ferguson and Verona Leatherbury being the only seniors.
Sophomore standout Makenna Casey will be the building block for Park Hill South. Casey was one of three Lady Panther state qualifiers in 2021 – and the only one that is returning – as she finished in 26th place with 169 strokes at the Class 4 State Meet.
Park Hill South sophomore Makenna Casey finished in 26th place at the 2021 Class 4 State Meet.
“I talked to her a little bit about her being our best player and what she has to do about being a role model and leader,” Park Hill South head golf coach Tracy Mangels said. “We have a couple of captains too, but I need her right in that mix as well, with the expectations that she is going to be good for us all year.”
Molly Toohig and Regan Lea, who are both juniors, bring back experience as well. The duo lettered last year and both were key contributors for Park Hill South’s first conference title in more than half a decade.
“They are my two captains and are leaders on the team. They’re grinders and competitive; they do other sports and they’re tough,” Mangels said.
While it is rebuilding, Park Hill South still expects to compete for a conference title and in districts. Mangels told the Platte County Citizen that the Lady Panthers’ goals don’t change, but some years are tougher than others.
“We’re going to have to get better throughout the season, which is hard in a short season. Golf is a tough game; you can save a couple of strokes here and there so if we don’t have penalty strokes and limit mistakes, we’ll be a lot more successful,” Mangels said.