Flavin-led ‘Cats seek to continue program’s rich tradition

Although two four-year varsity standouts — Brooke Morris and Sydney Mazur — have graduated to greener fairways (Morris is a member of the Central Michigan University women’s golf team), Plymouth’s traditionally powerful girls golf squad should continue to maintain its in-the-state-title-mix status this fall.

That’s mostly due to the return of junior Annie Flavin, who earned All-State honors and a Division 1 regional medalist title as a sophomore; and ultra-experienced seniors Kayla Steinhauer and Regan Brydges, who know what it takes to consistently win golf matches at the high school level.

“We lost a lot of talent from last year’s team, but this is Plymouth, so the girls know they’ll have to work tirelessly to keep the program’s winning tradition going,” said Head Coach Kevin Niemiec. “We’re going to have to get better every day so we can make that run to get to regionals and then do what it takes to get to the state meet.

“The goal for this program every year, obviously, is a state title, but first we have to figure out how to win all the battles it takes to get there.”

No cupcakes on this schedule

The Wildcats play arguably one of the toughest schedules — both tournament-wise and conference-wise — in the state, Niemiec asserted. Their non-conference tournament slate includes the Capt. Sally Girls Invitational in late-September at the renowned American Dunes Golf Course in Grand Haven; and an invitation-only tournament at Ferris State University that leads up to the post-season.

“And the KLAA West Division never gets weaker,” Niemiec said, smiling. “The Northvilles, Brightons and Howells … as much as we wanted to see them here today (at the inaugural Dan Young Invitational earlier this month), we’ll see them plenty of times throughout the season.”

Flavin is the Wildcats’ unquestioned leader — both on the course and as a role model for the team’s younger golfers.

“Annie is an incredible athlete; she’s a standout in golf and basketball,” Niemiec said. “She’s a tireless worker on the range, working on her short game and on the putting green. Her golf career definitely won’t end in high school depending on what she wants.

“The best thing about Annie is she’s a team player. She cares about her teammates and is a huge culture-builder. To have your best player have those traits is priceless.”

In addition to Steinhauer and Brydges — both of whom are expected to make vital contributions this fall — the Wildcats’ roster is bolstered by Alyssa Steinhauer, Mady McCarthy; and new-comers Regan Brown and Jordan Harper, both of whom are transitioning to golf from other sports.

“Jordan is a former volleyball player and a great athlete,” Niemiec said. “And Regan is a soccer player who decided to join the golf team this year.

“We all know that we’re going to have to work tirelessly from now through the end of the season to get to where we need to be; where Plymouth girls golf expects to be late in every season.”

All about Annie

Flavin said her first taste of golf came from occasionally driving the cart for her dad, who loves the sport as much as his daughter.

“Everything started clicking for me golf-wise toward the end of middle school,” she said. “That’s when I started getting pretty good.”

As modest as she is talented, Flavin said her drives generally travel around 250 yards, although she has bombed some 300-yarders “when I get a good roll on a downhill fairway”.

What’s the best facet of her game?

“It depends on the day,” she said, smiling. “I wouldn’t say I’m very, very good at any one thing, but pretty solid at everything.

“My biggest growth since last season is probably my mental approach. Nothing comes easy in golf. I’ve learned you have to work very, very hard to get better. It’s challenging at times when you’re playing a six-hour round, walking and pulling a cart. But I play a lot in the sumer, so I’m in pretty good golf shape.”

Club champ

Among her highlights of this past summer was winning the girls junior invitational at her home club, Meadowbrook Country Club.

“I shot rounds of 71 and 70, which was fun,” she added. “I have great coaches and a great support system in golf.”

Flavin blossomed on the basketball court as a sophomore for Plymouth last winter, registering multiple double-doubles (double-digit points and rebounds in the same game).

When asked what’s tougher: draining a 15-foot putt or a free throw, she delivered a compelling answer.

“Probably a free throw because, especially later in the game, you’re exhausted so you have to focus more and pull it together with your mechanics,” she said. “And when you’re putting, there aren’t opposing fans screaming at you to miss.

Team player

“I love both sports, but I see myself playing golf longer than basketball.”

While the individual tournaments are a blast, Flavin admitted she loves playing for the Wildcats.

“It’s fun playing with your friends; we have a good time,” she said. “And we all push each other, which is important.”

Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.