The 2025 season was a special one for Reeths-Puffer girls golf as the Rockets produced their second-ever state champion, Sophia McCollum. Now a senior, McCollum is back to lead a Rockets team that hopes to compete at the finals as a unit this time around.
R-P missed that accomplishment by just three strokes at last year's regional meet, and with McCollum and fellow seniors Olivia Ambler and Ella Voorhies back, the pieces are in place to make up that gap this year.
"Olivia and Ella have really improved on their mental game," Rockets' coach Matt Pallett said. "They are both playing quite a bit this summer. There is no doubt that if we make it as a team, the two of them will be a big reason."
It's McCollum, of course, who will draw the most attention after her incredible junior season. She won the state title by four strokes last year - an impressive margin given the caliber of players at the finals - and there's no reason she can't succeed at that level again. Pallett said McCollum's mental resilience has been a huge factor in her success.
"Her mental game has improved so much in the years that I have had her," Pallett said. "If she hits a bad shot, then it is on to the next shot. If she has a bad hole, then it is on to the next hole. Once her mental game got on par with her physical game, her game took off. We saw that last year with her incredible year. She hit big shot after big shot whenever she needed to bounce back."
The No. 4 scoring position can be the pivotal one in team golf, and the Rockets enter the season without a clear answer at that spot, but many possible candidates. Ava Gibbs and Keeley Cole graduated after solid senior years, leaving positions open for up-and-comers.
Pallett said it's likely that three of five players will end up taking the remaining spots in the varsity lineup. Junior Madigan Pitcher and sophomore Kylie Heykoop have some varsity experience, and three freshmen who were active throughout the summer are also in the mix: Abby Davis, Mia Hanichen and Tala Johnson. The competition between the five will probably extend into the season as Pallett gives each the opportunity to win a spot.
"We will work hard to develop these girls as the season goes along," Pallett said. "They all have great attitudes and want to work hard to get better. I will rely on my three seniors to help the younger players develop."
R-P will again play competitive events early and often, starting with Friday's Jenison Invitational at The Meadows, which also includes teams in the O-K Green Conference. The Rockets placed third in the league last year and should be in the mix near the top once again. Another spotlight event is the GMAA tournament, where R-P was narrowly beaten by Montague a year ago. The competition there should be strong. The Rockets host the regional tournament for the second year in a row, giving them a chance to showcase their skills against the best in the area.
And when that tournament is over, Pallett and his team expects to head to state - this time, together.
"Our expectation is to make it to the state finals as a team," Pallett said. "We have been close in other years. This group is definitely capable."
