The Galion girls golf program is in a state of transition this season following the graduation of three key contributors, but head coach Alan Conner is still expecting big things from his group of returnees in the 2023 season.

Conner has led the girls golf program for five seasons dating back to 2019 when the program was revived following a seven-year absence. The program’s revival was in large part a result of three incoming freshmen — Julia Conner, Ellexia Ratcliff and Izzie Willacker — at the time who had played in the junior high program and pushed to be able to continue playing at the high school level.

That trio formed the nucleus of last year’s team as four-year contributors and has now left behind large shoes to fill. No void will be more difficult to fill than the departure of Julia Conner, whose nine-hole average score of 44 a season ago earned first-team All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference honors en route to becoming the first girl in program history to qualify for the district tournament.

Ratcliff and Willacker won’t be easily replaceable in their own right after posting averages of 54 and 56, respectively.

In total, Conner lost five members of last year’s team between graduation and decisions from other girls to play a different sport. But while the team will need to replace a significant amount of strokes lost from last season, it won’t be short on experience thanks to a pair of upperclassmen returning.

Senior Addison Reed figures to be Galion’s top performer in 2023 after posting a 63 average last season, the lowest of any returning golfer.

“We’re looking for her leadership, and she’s a joy to be around,” Conner said of Reed. “She’s very mentally tough, which is a huge thing in golf. Some girls just aren’t, but Addison doesn’t get rattled. She’s going to be a huge asset for us this year.”

Reed will be joined by junior Emily Williams, who posted a nine-hole average of 68 in 2022. Sophomore Kylee Crager will look to build on a 67 average a year ago in her first season of varsity golf. Conner said he expects a jump from Crager as she continues to learn the game and how to manage courses.

Galion figures to get a significant boost this season by way of a newcomer in junior Sarah Peoples, who Conner said he is looking forward to making an immediate impact on the team. Peoples previously ran cross country during the fall in addition to being a talented softball and basketball player, but after a torn meniscus rendered her unable to run this fall, she is giving golf a try.

The decision may pay off well for both Peoples and the team as Conner said she is currently his number two golfer at the moment with the ability to become the team’s top golfer by the end of the season.

Senior Destany Palasia also returns for her fourth season in the program but is currently out with an injury Conner expects to linger well into the season.

“The girls are going to compete, and I can never fault their effort,” Conner told the Inquirer. “I have girls who work hard, did a lot of work this summer, and they’re going to be better.”

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing Galion — and other area golf programs — is the access to golf courses, although Conner noted his program has been very fortunate with the kindness of Valley View Golf Course in Galion. Conner noted the lack of course access for programs has caused the conference to shift to three 18-hole tournaments rather than dual matches, which he said is not to the benefit of his girls.

“We’ll adapt and adjust, but my girls are disappointed, and I’m disappointed,” Conner said. “That Tuesday night match with Ontario was a relaxing and enjoyable time for my girls. They build relationships, they learn the game, and that’s been taken away. And it’s not the blame of Ontario; they don’t have any place to play. You can’t play a league match if they don’t have a place to play.

“Instead, we’re now forced into these three 18-hole tournaments on neutral sites during the day. They’re long days. My girls dread 18 holes. … I’ve voiced my opinion to the MOAC, and I understand their hands are tied. What can you do when Ontario, Shelby, and River Valley don’t have a place to play anymore? But it has hurt the morale of my girls.”

Despite the challenges, Conner’s goal for his team is to simply make the most of what they can control this season.

“I just hope they get better every day, that they shoot better than they did last year or two weeks ago,” he said. “I just want them to challenge themselves every day and get better every day. That’s the goal.”

Reach Dillon Davis at 740-413-0904. Follow him on Twitter @DillonDavis56.