Top-Ranked Girls Golf Team Eyes Postseason

The expectations have been high for this year’s Greenhills girls golf team. The Gryphons are following up on an outstanding 2023 season, where the team finished fourth at the state championship and then-junior Mia Melendez won her third consecutive individual state title. As the players look to improve on last year’s results, they’re doing it one stroke at a time, building each other up, and finding success on the green. Greenhills is currently ranked first in the Catholic High School League (CHSL) standings, with a 4-0 record in league play, and is second in the state among Division 4 teams overall.

This year’s team is guided by its two seniors, Melendez and Hannah Lee. Together, they are creating a supportive culture focused on player development, and leading by example with their play.

“Often, as a smaller school, we only have one, maybe two, seniors on the team,” said head coach Mike Karr. “So we’re grateful to have a one-two-punch at the top leading the other girls.”

About half of the six-player team came with pre-high school competition experience, while the other half is relatively new to the game.

“There aren’t many opportunities for kids to play golf competitively in middle school in the area,” said Karr. “They may be able to take lessons, learn from family and friends, or find a lesser-known opportunity, but it’s not well promoted within the school districts.”

Karr and the team’s assistant coach, Bill Ammerman, enjoy working with less experienced freshmen and sophomores, who are eager to grow at Greenhills. Those players benefit from more attention and individual feedback, which the smaller six-person varsity roster makes possible.

As a top-five team, it’s obvious the Gryphons take competition seriously. But Karr said there’s also plenty of fun in the mix. “We can compete and be serious, but overall, we try to keep it light and relaxed. It makes for a better team dynamic.”

The team is lucky to call the Washtenaw Golf Club their home course. “We get on the course as much as we can, as well as the range and chipping and putting facilities,” said Karr. “The facility is very supportive of junior and high school golf. Many other schools don’t have the same advantage of a consistent and supportive place to play.”

During the season, the team plays both nine-hole matches and 18-hole tournaments, with the latter being a better fit for more advanced players. As the team looks toward the end of the season, there are a few significant matches and tournaments coming up. This week, the Gryphons will compete in the CHSL championship and next week, the regional championship.

“We anticipate qualifying for the state finals, which is October 18 and 19,” said Karr. “And if we do, we hope to finish in the top five again this year.”

Melendez is a player to watch. She aims to win her fourth individual state title—the only lower peninsula player in MHSAA history to do so—and secure her legacy as one of the best high school golfers in history.

“Mia has been playing even better than last year,” said Karr. “There are three strong candidates that Mia is competing against for the title, and I’d say she’s got a great chance.”

Karr has been with the team for 13 years, and said he draws on his upbringing for his continued coaching inspiration.

“Growing up, I had a great dad and great coaches throughout my athletic journey,” he said. “Being a positive influence on these kids is what keeps me coming back season after season.”