Independence enters the 2026 girls’ golf season with something every coach hopes for: experience, chemistry and a lineup that has already proven it can compete.
Third-year head coach Mike Gruber welcomes back all five starters from last season’s 7-1 campaign, including five returning All-Conference golfers. With every member of the top five entering her junior season, the Blue Devils believe they have the pieces to contend for another conference championship while setting their sights on a deeper postseason run.
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“Our top five have played in countless conference matches and tournaments together, and that experience should be a major strength,” Gruber said. “If we continue to improve throughout the season, I believe we have the ability to compete for another conference championship and put ourselves in position to make a strong postseason run.”
Leading the way is First Team All-Conference selection Jamie Tresp, who has established herself as the team’s No. 1 golfer. Tresp routinely matched up against each opponent’s top player and consistently delivered throughout the season.
“Jamie continued to set the standard for our program,” Gruber said. “Playing as our No. 1 golfer meant facing the best player from every opposing team, and she embraced that challenge all year long.”
Joining her on the First Team All-Conference squad are Abbey Cottrell and Maddie Krogman.
Cottrell has become one of the Blue Devils’ most dependable performers, earning recognition through her consistency in both dual matches and tournaments. After an active summer tournament schedule, Gruber expects her to pick up where she left off.
“Abbey was someone our team could count on every time she stepped onto the course,” Gruber said. “We’re excited to see how her summer tournament experience translates into continued success.”
Krogman also returns after another outstanding season and continues to elevate her game.
“Maddie has developed into one of the top golfers in our program and has the ability to compete with anyone in our league,” Gruber said. “We’re excited to see her build on her success and continue providing consistent scores.”
The Blue Devils’ depth extends beyond their three First Team selections. Marisa Mudra and Olivia Krysiak both earned Second Team All-Conference honors last season and give Independence one of the conference’s deepest lineups.
Mudra enters her third varsity season after making steady improvements each year.
“Marisa has continued to make impressive strides in her game, and her dedication has translated into steady improvement on the course,” Gruber said.
Krysiak has also become a reliable contributor through consistent improvement.
“We look for Olivia to build on last season’s success, continue lowering her scores, and achieve new personal bests in conference matches and tournament play,” Gruber said.
While Independence returns plenty of talent, Gruber knows experience alone won’t guarantee success.
“Our success will come down to consistency,” he said. “We know our top golfers are capable of posting competitive scores every time they tee it up, but we need to continue lowering scores from top to bottom in our lineup.”
The Blue Devils are also welcoming several newcomers into the program while relying on their veteran leaders to establish the standard.
“Our returning golfers have worked hard over the past two seasons to elevate the program, and they’re setting a great example for our younger players,” Gruber said. “It’s an exciting time for Independence Girls Golf, and we’re looking forward to seeing what this team can accomplish together.”
With five experienced juniors leading the way and every varsity starter returning, Independence enters the season expecting to be among the conference’s top contenders once again.
