By Sophie Krasny ’20
News Reporter
It is no well-kept secret that Mercersburg Academy has a strong culture of taking young, inexperienced athletes and transforming them into quality varsity athletes.
However, teams are often graced with talented young players who carry years of experience under their belts. This is the case for this year’s boys varsity golf team: three of the top four spots on the ladder are filled by juniors and lower-middlers.
Although some coaches may find it daunting to have fourteen and fifteen year-olds filling such important roles, head coach Doug Smith believes just the opposite, saying, “I’m excited to see the team grow. This season has a high variability, but I think this group could be very successful.” Smith’s mindset recalls the adage: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
Not only is the potential of the young players seemingly limitless, but they also have the ability to extend the team culture to future players. Says Smith, “They can become culture carriers of the program for the future. We are big on golf team culture and these young guys literally grow up with that framework around them on the team.”
The excitement and faith expressed by Smith is mirrored in his players. Khoi Pham ’22 said, “We have great golfers in every grade level which guarantees consistent performance this season and in coming years.”
Additionally, players are excited to represent the Blue Storm. “Having a position on the top four of the golf team is amazing and I love having the chance to play for my team and school,” said fellow golfer Kenneth Yonke ‘22.
As a senior member of the team, Jack Mitchell ’20 also expresses a belief in the future of the golf team, saying, “Kenneth and Khoi are a strong duo that sleep, eat, and putt together. Their strong connection will drive the team into an upward trend in the years to come.”