Blue Streaks Look To Reload

Most golf teams that lose four starters to graduation from a district championship squad would be in a rebuilding mode.

Not Sebring.

The Blue Streak girls boast four players with plenty of varsity experience returning, five newcomers with a great deal of potential, and a new coach.

"We definitely have a tough act to follow," said first-year Sebring coach Jeff Hendges. "Sebring has been good in golf for years, and even though we lost four players to graduation, we have a solid nucleus of four experienced players to build around.

"I think we're going to be very competitive and our goal is to win the district and qualify for regionals."

Leading the way for Sebring is junior Camiel White.

White, who averaged 48.9 for nine holes last year and was a member of the All-Heartland team, was the girl's 14-18 age group champion on the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour over the summer.

"Camiel is a hard worker and a serious student of the game," said Hendges. "She had a great summer and is a team leader."

Senior Priscilla Adams is a four-year varsity player who averaged 43.6 last year and was also selected to the All-Heartland squad,

"Priscilla is a very good golfer who should battle with Camiel for the top spot," said Hendges, who teaches Science at SHS. "She is a three-sport athlete who gained valuable experience last year and is very cool under pressure."

Senior Jamie Hershkowitz got a chance to play in a number of matches last year and will be counted on to play a more prominent role this season.

"Jamie is going to have a greater role on the team this season," Hendges said. "She is a multi-sport athlete and an excellent student."

Senior Whitney Belcher is being counted on to be a bigger contributor this season.

"Whitney is a good athlete and is working hard on her game," said the Blue Streak coach.

Freshman Lindsey Lovett had a strong summer on the Sertoma Tour and has the talent to make the leap to varsity competition.

"Lindsey had a good summer on the Sertoma Tour and gained valuable experience of playing under pressure," Hendges said. "She is a very disciplined player and is expected to contribute during the season."

Freshman Savana Fisher played well on the Sertoma Tour over the summer.

"Savana played varsity golf for two years at Heartland Christian," the Sebring coach said. "She has some experience and has a very smooth swing."

Kelsie Allen is new to the team and raised a few eyebrows by qualifying fourth in team competition.

"Kelsie has been the surprise of the season," said Hendges. "She hasn't been playing that long, but has shown a lot of consistency."

Freshman Samantha McIntyre and junior Anna Statler give the Blue Streaks solid depth.

"Samantha and Anna are new to the game," said Hendges. "But in just a few weeks of practice they have improved tremendously."

Sebring, which is in a very competitive Class 2A-District 9, opens the season with a tri-match in Lakeland on Thursday.

"I'm very excited about the season," Hendges said. "The girls have been working hard on their games and we're looking forward to competing.

"I love the game of golf and working with the kids and we're looking forward to carrying on the winning tradition of Blue Streak golf."

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com