The North Coast Conference has proved to be a very competitive league since its inception and should continue that in 2026. Lake Catholic was able to rise to the top of the league over the past two years but that journey may be a little more difficult to traverse as they attempt to threepeat in 2026. It would be an impressive feat considering they are the only remaining Division 2 team in the conference. Elyria Catholic is the newest team to join the rest of the league in Division 1. The Cougars will rely heavily on junior Mao Edwards, who has shown significant improvement over her high school career. The tough road to a third conference championship will go through both Parma and Chardon as Padua and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin both look to have very strong teams this season. Padua junior Giulia Reginelli, a dual sport star in golf and basketball, rose to prominence last season and can be a huge factor in the conference. NDCL will be led by senior Alexis Urigel and might be the narrow favorites to win the NCC this season. CVCA brings a good combination of experience and youth to the table while Beaumont and Elyria Catholic look to shock the world and the North Coast Conference.
Head Coach- Tony Zampedro Last Year’s Results- 1st at Punderson Sectional, 5th at Good Park District, 7-4-1; league finish 3rd; highlight winning Sectionals for the first time in school history Coach’s Comments- After two successful seasons having won the North Coast Conference and Sectionals, we lost three of our top players and will spend this year developing the next crew of aspiring golfers. That being said, we have two solid golfers returning in Mao Edwards and Maddie Cox, with the rest of the Varsity team working hard. I am excited that we have six incoming freshman who have really taken to summer golf and will get their first taste of competitive golf this season!
Head Coach- Tiger Alexander Last Year’s Results- 7th at Old Avalon Sectional, Overall record was 12 – 1, 1st in the North Coast Conference Tournament. Won the Mahoning Classic Tournament. Alexis Urigel was the 2025 NCC MVP, Alexis Urigel made it to the District Tournament. Coach’s Comments- The Lions aren’t defending a title; they are hunting the next peak. The standard for this program remains unchanging: Process over Outcome. Our mindset will always be to play the course, never the opponent. Success will be measured by our daily commitment to elite preparation, sharp skill work, and mental fitness. This season, our journey will begin with several highly competitive tournaments. This stretch will demand complete focus, execution, and trust in the system.
Head Coach- Patrick Dailey Last Year’s Results- 7th at Big Met Sectional, 2nd in conference, Giulia Reginelli advanced to districts. Coach’s Comments- We will be a very experienced team looking to win the conference and advance to districts. The team will be led by seniors Rylee Mckelvey, Megan Svec and juniors Giulia Reginelli, Selah Schaffer. We also have a large JV squad that will be pushing the varsity players to keep improving.
The Northeast 8 Conference is one of the more isolated leagues in the OHSAA Northeast District. There is talent in the league even though the teams don’t really play in many out of conference events. Once again, both Bulldogs teams, Lakeview and Poland, look to be the class of the conference. Junior Olivia Norris of Lakeview looks to be the favorite to individually win the conference although teammates senior Parker Morris and junior Madeline Isenberg might have something to say about that. Poland will bring a more balanced attack with junior Cadence Berendt and sophomore Capri Carchedi leading the way. South Range is a team on the rise and could be the top contender to jump over Lakeview and Poland. Girard, Hubbard, Niles, and Struthers will compete at the bottom end of the conference.
The Southwestern Conference is in the middle of a resurgence. Last year’s sophomore class, especially at Avon and Avon Lake, have shown that they are going to have a lasting impact on the SWC. It will be fun to watch these teams grow over the next several years. It will also be an entertaining race between the Avon Eagles and Avon Lake Shoregals as the season unfolds. Avon sophomores Jenavieve Plantner and Jocelyn England established themselves as the top scorers in the program last year and will be even better in 2026. Avon Lake has their own list of super sophomores, including Pressly Martter and Adalyn Becker, but it may be junior Lily Dorsey who takes the Shoregals over the top. Avon senior Rylan Owens also hopes to be the deciding factor in winning a conference championship. Olmsted Falls proved to be a worthy competitor in 2025 and will once again hope to rain on the parade of their conference foes. Seniors Addison Mullen and Ashley Veverka have grown together throughout the years and over the span of a significant coaching change and will look to make their senior year memorable. Berea-Midpark will be under the direction of new head coach Max Rauch, who will look to bring the Titans into the conversation. Amherst will look to build depth, North Ridgeville will seek improvement, and Midview will attempt to fill out their roster as the 2026 season opens in the SWC.
Impact Players
Allyson Beatty (SR) Elyria Adalyn Becker (SO) Avon Lake Isabella Bernhardt (SO) Avon Lily Dorsey (JR) Avon Lake Jocelyn England (SO) Avon Maddie Gerber (SR) North Ridgeville Presley Martter (SO) Avon Lake Sophia Morgan (JR) Midview Addison Mullen (SR) Olmsted Falls Jenavieve Plantner (SO) Avon Isabella Santori (SR) Berea-Midpark Charley Supers (JR) Amherst Ashley Veverka (SR) Olmsted Falls
Head Coach- Aaron Millet Last Year’s Results- 3rd at Big Met Sectional, 15th at Tanglewood District, SWC Champions Coach’s Comments- We graduated 5 seniors last year and need to replace a lot of production. Jena Plantner and Jocelyn England were our top two players last year as freshmen and need to be even better next year for us to take the next step. Ella Sisto, Rylan Owens and other players coming back will need to contribute for us to compete with Avon Lake and hope to make another district appearance. We are playing a much more rigorous tournament schedule this year and are starting our own tournament at Oberlin GC to expand opportunities for our kids.
There will be a new look to the Suburban League in 2026. With the departure of Cuyahoga Falls, Kent Roosevelt, and Tallmadge, the league will welcome new members Kenston, Mayfield, and Medina and will be slightly restructuring the divisional breakdown of the conference. Highland will be moving to the National Division while Twinsburg and Nordonia will now be in the American Division. Newcomers Kenston and Mayfield will make their way to the American Division and Medina will be part of the National Division.
Northeast Ohio golf experts have been touting Revere’s senior class since they were freshmen. They gave a good sense of their capabilities toward the end of last season as they almost made it to the State Tournament. The fab five of Maddy Addessi, Kate Banning, Amrita Deo, Ryenne Harpley, and Sarah Riley will be the clear favorites to win the American Division as second year head coach Mike Clark will help bring the energy to Richfield. Their top competitor could be new Suburban League foe Kenston, who had an incredible run in the former Western Reserve Conference. The senior heavy lineup will look to Ava Solak and Stefania Mighton to show them the way to prosperity. Aurora will be led by new head coach Tim Baczkowski, who has been promoted from his longtime position of JV coach. Juniors Bennett DeLuca and Kelly Macsurak have grown together and will stay at the top of the lineup for the Greenmen. Nordonia is one of many teams who lost a significant amount of scoring from last year. It will be up to senior Polly Loney and junior Kayla Joo to take up where their predecessors left off. Copley, led by senior Anna Yacknow, is another team with a new coach, Kory Braman, who will look to take the team to a new level. Senior Julie Paradise and junior Emily Morgan will look for some new talent to help the Mayfield Wildcats compete in their new conference. Twinsburg will continue to build up their team as they find their spot in the American Division.
Every year, teams look at the Highland Hornets and say it is the end of an era and there is no way they can possibly be as good as they were the previous year. And every year, Highland finds a way to be as good or sometimes even better than they had been. It’s going to be a huge task in 2026, as Highland will not only be replacing their entire starting lineup, but they will also have a new coach to replace the legendary Mary Becker. Christ Kestner will become the second coach in Highland’s girls golf history. He will look to juniors Anna Coleman and Charlotte Chester, who look to follow in their older sisters’, both whose name happens to be Elizabeth, footsteps. The team they will have to overcome looks to be Hudson. They are returning most of their starting lineup, including senior Elena Varga and sophomore Rachel Rush. It will be up to juniors Kiley Gorog and Molly Stock along with some varsity newcomers to round out the team score for the Explorers. North Royalton keeps getting better every year and they are going to surprise some teams in 2026. Seniors Maddie Pehanic and Madison Cutright look to be the top scorers for this year’s version of the Bears. Solon knows that is impossible to replace a generational talent like Serena Wu. They will take a next player up mentality and rely on senior Alexis Brown, who showed signs of brilliance last year, and junior Kaidi Wang to guide their younger players. Brecksville should add to their depth to be competitive in the National Division. Stow will have a senior heavy lineup led by Julie Dotson and Alyssa Lane. Medina will bring an infusion of young talent that just needs to be developed, with sophomore Honor Hlavna at the top of that list. Wadsworth has much experience back and will look to improve on their finish from last season.
Impact Players
Maddie Addessi (SR) Revere Kate Banning (SR) Revere Alexis Brown (SR) Solon Anna Coleman (JR) Highland Madison Cutright (SR) North Royalton Bennett DeLuca (JR) Aurora Amrita Deo (SR) Revere Julie Dotson (SR) Stow Ryenne Harpley (SR) Revere Honor Hlavna (SO) Medina Jillian Jones (JR) Wadsworth Alaina Liem (SR) Brecksville Lainey Lombardo (SO) Kenston Polly Loney (SR) Nordonia Kelly Macsurak (JR) Aurora Stefania Mighton (SR) Kenston Julie Paradise (SR) Mayfield Maddie Pehanic (SR) North Royalton Sarah Riley (SR) Revere Rachel Rush (SO) Hudson Ava Solak (SR) Kenston Parker Sweeney (SR) Twinsburg Elena Varga (SR) Hudson Anna Yacknow (SR) Copley
Head Coach- Tim Baczkowski Last Year’s Results- 6th at Old Avalon Sectional Coach’s Comments- Looking forward to a season of growth as the younger generation of golfers are going to be joining an already experienced group.
Head Coach- Chris Kestner Last Year’s Results- 1st at The Elms Sectional, 3rd at Tanglewood District, 5th at State Tournament, 1st in Suburban League Coach’s Comments- New crop of golfers for the upcoming season. Looking forward to working with this great group of girls & watching them improve as the season progresses. Excited to create their own path during the upcoming season.
Head Coach- Bobby Bolin Last Year’s Results- 2nd at Fox Den Sectional, 10th at Tanglewood District, 6-0 in matches, 2nd in Suburban League National Coach’s Comments- We have a fantastic group of players back and are really excited for the 2026 season. We play in a very tough league and hope to use that competition to get better throughout the season.
Head Coach- Laura Stauffenger Last Year’s Results- 9th at The Elms Sectional Coach’s Comments- Medina is looking forward to a new group of varsity golfers and rebuilding our team. Our focus is on improving every day.
Head Coach- Greg Harris Last Year’s Results- 3rd at Fox Den Sectional, 9th at Tanglewood District, 1st in Suburban League National Conference Coach’s Comments- We have some strong leadership this year led by Polly Loney and followed by Kayla Joo and Tori Chylik. After that we are a very young with a lot of potential to grow into a very good team as we progress through the season.
Head Coach- Don Filips Last Year’s Results- 5th at Fox Den Sectional Coach’s Comments- The 2026 North Royalton Bears enter the season looking to build on the momentum of a record-setting 2025 campaign. Last season, the Bears established a new school record for an 18-hole team score at the Flamingo Frenzy Classic and are eager to continue that success this fall. North Royalton returns three key contributors from last year’s squad, led by All-Suburban League performers Madeline Pehanic and Madison Cutright. The senior duo, affectionately known as the “Maddies,” will provide a strong one-two punch at the top of the lineup. They will be joined by 2025 Newcomer of the Year Mira Steele, giving the Bears an experienced and talented core. Competing for the remaining varsity spots will be second-year letterwinner Violet Frantz, along with a deep group of experienced players that includes seniors Hope Piasecki, Mya Goloja, Cali Wise, and Reese Benz, as well as juniors Prisha Bhanwala and Addison O’Shaughnessy. Entering his eighth season as head coach, Don Filips believes the leadership and experience of Pehanic and Cutright will be instrumental to the team’s success. “Madeline and Madison lead by example every single day,” Filips said. “They are outstanding role models for our younger players. They work incredibly hard to improve their games, compete on summer tours, and set the standard for what it means to be a North Royalton golfer. I couldn’t ask for a better pair of seniors to lead this team.” With experienced leadership, strong competition for varsity positions, and a proven culture of hard work and improvement, the Bears are poised to make another run at one of the top seasons in program history.
Head Coach- Mike Clark Last Year’s Results- 4th at Fox Den Sectional, 5th at Tanglewood District, The 2025 Lady Minutemen finished 2nd in the Suburban League American Conference behind an extremely talented Highland team. The Lady Minutemen finished in 4th place (345) in the OHSAA Sectional Tournament at Fox Den, advancing to Districts for the first time in program history. The Lady Minutemen posted an all-time program record low (326) at Tanglewood to finish in 5th place, just two strokes away from qualifying for the State Tournament. Coach’s Comments- The excitement surrounding our 2026 season is at an all-time high. We return our entire varsity lineup, bringing back a tremendous amount of talent, experience, and confidence. Last season’s record-setting 326 at the OHSAA District Tournament and finishing just two strokes short of a state tournament berth showed our players exactly what they’re capable of achieving. That experience has fueled an incredible offseason, and our 2026 goals are lofty. Our team understands that success isn’t guaranteed, but they’ve embraced the challenge and are hungry to take the next step. We believe the foundation is in place for a special season, and we can’t wait to see what this group accomplishes together.
Head Coach- Damien Kopkas Last Year’s Results- 3rd at Old Avalon Sectional, 12th at Tanglewood District, finished 3rd in Suburban League National, Individual – Serena Wu was the Division 1 State Runner-Up with a 69-71 = 140 Coach’s Comments- Trying to replace a 3-time individual state qualifier will not be easy, but the girls are ready for the challenge. We return a top 4 of experienced and battle-tested golfers who are prepared to take the next step in their golf journey. To round out our starting 6, we have a couple of strong options from last year’s JV squad and a few exciting newcomers as well.
Head Coach- Scotte Rorabaugh Last Year’s Results- 13th at Old Avalon Sectional, 6th in Suburban League Coach’s Comments- With our entire team returning this year, we are looking forward to seeing development and improved scores from last year especially from our four Senior leaders.
Head Coach- Steve Ferris Last Year’s Results- 18th at The Elms Sectional Coach’s Comments- We are expecting big things out of our core group. They have been together for three years. Look for Carolyn Kresowaty, Jillian Jones, and Michelle Witschey to excel.
The Tri-County Conference is a large conglomeration of large and small schools in Eastern Ohio who come together to form a Girls Golf league. Five area teams look to be near the top of the league this season along with Minerva, who represented the East District at the State Tournament last year. The Marlington Dukes have a balanced roster that could produce some low scores throughout the year. Massillon will rely on junior Edisa Nabuufu and will look to some experienced returning players to provide the other scores needed to compete. Tuslaw has been a fun team to follow as they have taken a prominent role in the Division 2 landscape. Senior Avery Rodocker along with a deep class of juniors will lead a Mustangs team with high expectations. Senior Bella Linger and the West Branch Warriors are another quality team that will be in the conversation to win their conference. Alliance is a wild card team to watch for as well. At the next level, Canton South has had some quality teams the past several years and will look at a new group to keep up that momentum. Lake Center Christian could be a Cinderella type team this season as their school footprint continues to get larger. Fairless, under second year coach Susan Smith, Canton Central Catholic, with new head coach Brooke Newsome, and Northwest, led by veteran coach Laura Traganza, are all teams that will look to have an impact on the Tri-County Conference as well.
Impact Players
Angelina Boyles (SR) Fairless Kay Givins (SR) Northwest Anna Gosney (JR) Canton Central Catholic Grace McGeehen (SR) Alliance Bella Linger (SR) West Branch Emma McLaughlin (JR) West Branch Edisa Nabuufu (JR) Massillon Lilly Peterson (JR) Marlington Avery Rodocker (SR) Tuslaw Hannah Samblanet (SR) Canton South Taniyah Spencer (JR) Marlington
Freshmen to Watch
Adeline Klingelhofer (Lake Center Christian) Natalie Noling (Marlington) Gianna Pons (Canton Central Catholic) Ellie Risaliti (Canton South) Mia Ruthem (Northwest) Norah Sanderson (Northwest) Addison Slagle (Canton Central Catholic) Teresa Warner (Marlington) Riley Wolfe (Marlington)
Head Coach- Brooke Newsome Last Year’s Results- The Canton Central Catholic girls golf team placed 4th at the Division II Sectional Tournament with a team score of 416, qualifying for the District tournament. Leading the Crusaders was Lily Belden with a round of 90. Other notable scorers included Anna Gosney (100), Abigail Tucker (112), and Addison Rey (114). Coach’s Comments- I’m excited to begin my first season leading this program. We have a great group of young women who are eager to learn, work hard, and support one another. Our goal this season is to continue developing our skills, compete with confidence, and represent Central Catholic with pride every time we step on the course.
Head Coach- David Mullett Last Year’s Results- 2nd at The Pines Sectional, 10th at Good Park District, 17-3, 2nd best finish in school history, 2nd Place finish at Sectionals at The Pines, 1st Place Griffith Cup Champions at Spring Hill Coach’s Comments- Canton South Girls Golf Had a Magical season last year and will certainly take a hit due to graduation, but, my girls will find a way this season because they want to keep winning! My Senior Stars, Samblanet and Daugherty are eager and ready to guide this team and my junior (GOAT) Jilly is ready to keep the winning tradition rolling! Ellie Risaliti is my incoming Freshman who I am excited to be getting, and she is going to be put to the test right away. I know these girls will give me everything they got because they want it to be 5 years in a row making it to the District Tournament! Good Luck Wildcats!
Head Coach- Randy Yoder Last Year’s Results- 8th at The Pines Sectional, 4-10 (overall as Independent) Coach’s Comments- As the 2026 season tees off, the Lady Tigers face two major challenges: navigating a significant roster overhaul and stepping into a highly competitive new league. Replacing last year’s departing seniors won’t be easy, and the team’s biggest task will be finding a new No. 1 golfer to fill the void left by 2025 District qualifier Charley Collins. While five golfers return, only two bring more than a single year of varsity experience: senior Anna Mooney and junior Hailee Gingerich. For the team to remain competitive, we’ll need Sophomore Alexa Donatelli and junior Haley Phipps, who anchored the back half of the 2025 roster, to make significant contributions in 2026. Finally, keep an eye on freshman Adeline Klingelhofer, who looks to solidify the lineup as she adjusts to varsity competition. After playing last season as an independent, we join the competitive Tri-County Conference as the league’s smallest school; and our plan for 2026 will be simple – stay competitive in league play using the regular season to gain experience against quality opponents, then peak in September when the postseason and OHSAA tournaments arrive.
Head Coach- Shawn Dillon Last Year’s Results- 12th at The Elms Sectional, 12-4 overall, 5-3 EBC, 5-1 Tri-County Coach’s Comments- We have a fairly young team overall, but they have tournament experience. Optimistic for this season.
Head Coach- Matt Gulling Last Year’s Results- 7th at The Pines Sectional, 8-7 Overall Record, 3rd Place Finish Tri-County Red Division Coach’s Comments- We have a great deal of experience returning and our looking to continue to grow as we move into year 3 of our girls golf program.
Many stellar high school careers came to an end at the end of the 2025 season. Kristina Chill will leave a lasting impact at Magnificat while Caitrin Coyle, one of the all-time good people, graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary. Walsh Jesuit sees the departure of Colleen Stadler and Gianna Rodenhauser. St. Joseph will have to navigate the high school golf scene without Emerson Glending, Tess Gibel, and Ellen Mingus. The Jaguars will also bid farewell to coach Maureen Adler, an all-time legend at the school. Laurel will also see the end of an era as Marti Hardy has retired from coaching. She has made an impact on generations of young golfers and will be missed dearly in the high school golf landscape.
Looking ahead to 2026, Magnificat will be a unanimous choice to make another trip down to Dayton after a State runner-up finish in 2025 and a State Championship in 2024. They have a loaded roster featuring sisters Kayla and Korinne Knaze along with superstar Calli Reed and underrated talent Kellen Gleason. Barring any unseen circumstances, Magnificat should be once again representing Northeast Ohio in Dayton in October. Coming up right behind Magnificat will be the Warriors from Walsh Jesuit. Senior Yumi Kohara along with juniors Sarah Vojtko and Vivian Eich lead one of the most talented teams in the area. The question mark for Walsh Jesuit will be their fourth score. They may need to rely on senior Brooke Tercek or they could have another younger player step up. St. Joseph Academy, after graduating their core group of seniors will turn to another dynamic trio that has grown with the program. Ella Babcock, Vera Swartz, and Willa Streeter are all seniors who have plenty of varsity experience to draw from and begin new wave of Jaguars. They will do so under the eye of new coaches Lauren Demirjian and Amanda Schwab. Hathaway Brown looks to be back on the rise. Sophomore Saijal Jawa is an emerging star in the area and fellow sophomore Cece Voelker has put in a ton of work throughout the offseason. Add in junior Adelyn Ehlers and the Blazers will have their voices heard. Under the leadership of new coach Matt Monter and senior Lily Taylor, Hoban should have a successful season in 2026.
Spirits are high in Gates Mills as the Gilmour Academy Lancers have become a power to be reckoned with in Division 2. Sophomore Callie Dennison has taken the reins and is a top player in the program as they look to advance far in the postseason tournaments. Bristol continues to be a strong contender in the eastern part of the area while Ursuline looks to be one of the top small school teams in the Youngstown area. St. Vincent-St. Mary is developing a young roster and looking toward the future. They will rely on transfers Brooklyn and Gracelyn Berkowitz as the Our Lady of the Elms program was eliminated this season. Cardinal had a successful first season as a program in 2025 and will look to build off of it as the program grows. Another very new program, the Firelands Falcons have an ambitious head coach in Jacob Fitzpatrick. They will continually improve as the team grows.
Impact Players
Ella Babcock (SR) St. Joseph Academy Brooklyn Berkowitz (SR) St. Vincent-St. Mary McCamey Compan (SR) Pymatuning Valley Callie Dennison (SO) Gilmour Vivian Eich (JR) Walsh Jesuit Adelyn Ehlers (JR) Hathaway Brown Greta Geib (JR) Laurel Kellen Gleason (JR) Magnificat Saijal Jawa (JR) Hathaway Brown Kayla Knaze (SR) Magnificat Korinne Knaze (SO) Magnificat Yumi Kohara (SR) Walsh Jesuit Nicole Krohn (SR) Hoban Nina Kumer (JR) Lowellville Brooke Leedy (SR) Gilmour Anna Mooney (SR) Lake Center Christian Kaitlyn Omlor (JR) Cardinal Calli Reed (JR) Magnificat Sophia Scianna (SO) Ursuline Willa Streeter (SR) St. Joseph Academy Vera Swartz (SR) St. Joseph Academy Lily Taylor (SR) Hoban Cecelia Voelker (SO) Hathaway Brown Sarah Vojtko (JR) Walsh Jesuit Anistyn Williams (JR) Bristol
Head Coach- Mike Topalian Last Year’s Results- 17th at Punderson Sectional Coach’s Comments- The Lady Huskies are excited to be back for their second formal season as a squad. The Huskies look to keep building experience and confidence as they progress on their golf journey.
Head Coach- Jacob Fitzpatrick Last Year’s Results- 15th at The Pines Sectional Coach’s Comments- I am excited about the potential of this team. Our focus this season will be on building confidence, improving each player’s individual game, fostering a positive team culture, and competing with resilience. If we continue to embrace growth and support one another, I believe this group has the opportunity to achieve great things.
Head Coach- Ronald Jones Last Year’s Results- 5th at Old Avalon Sectional, Match Record: 6-3; Sectional Placement: 1 (single adv. to Districts); Tournament Finishes: 2 top 5 finishes Coach’s Comments- Although HB will be young by age, our girls are playing quite a bit of golf this summer, coupled with few new student potential, we expect to have another solid and exciting season of golf.
Head Coach- Matt Monter Last Year’s Results- 10th at The Elms Sectional, 5-2 in matches, four top-4 finishes in tournaments, Lily Taylor missed qualifying for District by one stroke. Coach’s Comments- We are exciting for the new season and hope to take a step forward as individuals and as a team this year.
Head Coach- Zachary Stenger Last Year’s Results- 13th at Punderson Sectional Comments- With the retirement of Marti Hardy, Laurel School has a new Varsity coach, Zachary Stenger, and assistants, former two-time State Champion, Laurel/Penn State golfer, Jami Morris, and JV coach Keith Rush. Together, they will work with a primarily 9th and 10th grade team along with our two Junior Captains, Abby Vasu and Greta Geib. We are looking forward to developing our young golfers into strong competitors this year and in the years to come.
Head Coach- Danny Gallagher Last Year’s Results- 1st at Big Met Sectional, 1st at Tanglewood District, D1 State Runner Up Coach’s Comments- We are excited to continue to build the golf program at Magnificat and once again have high expectations to be one of the best golf programs in the State of Ohio.
Head Coach- Lauren Demirjian and Amanda Schwab Last Year’s Results- 2nd at Big Met Sectional, 7th at Tanglewood District, Individual E. Glending qualified for States and finished 26th.
Head Coach- Dirk Hartman Last Year’s Results- DNS at Fox Den Sectional Coach’s Comments- Very young team, excited to have 2 transfers from the Lady of The Elms program which folded. This is the first full team we will field in two years.
Head Coach- Bill Reilly Last Year’s Results- 1st at Fox Den Sectional, 2nd at Tanglewood District, 4th at State Tournament, Winning the sectional championship with a new School scoring record of 294 led by a three underpar 68 from Vivian Eich, 72 from Sarah Vojtko, 73 from Yumi Kohara was a great start to the post season only to be topped by a runner-up District finish and a 4th Place finish at the State Championship Coach’s Comments- Setting a new school record (294) was a great accomplishment for the girls ,only to be topped by a 4th place finish at the State Tournament in 2025.An accomplishment we hope to build on in 2026. It could well be another fun run!!
Potential New Contributors Baydon Jacobs- 11th Jacob Stewart- 10th Coen Clayman- 10th
Coach Comments- Jaxson Yoder should make a solid push for multiple player of the year honors and has his eyes on a state appearance. Liam Puhalla had a very strong 9th grade year and looks to improve on his solid performance while Mason Kroesen should post solid scores each time out. Young players will need to be consistent for the team to be at their best.
Aurora Greenmen
Coach- Gus Mehallis Conference- Suburban League (American) Home Course- Walden/Barrington Last Year’s Results- 3rd Place Suburban Conference
Returning Players Brady Allenick- 12th Joel Fletcher- 12th Dylan Lancaster- 12th Jackson Sarver- 12th
Potential New Contributors Nick Pollak- 10th
Coach Comments- High expectations with the returning Seniors and the addition of Nick Pollak
Avon Lake Shoremen
Coach- Matthew Perry Conference- Southwestern Conference Home Course- Sweetbriar Social Media- @shoremengolf25 Last Year’s Results- 4-2 Conference Sectionals 2nd place Ranger invite 2nd place
Returning Players Chase Cartwright Tyler Fenton Max Prohaska Ben Santo Emmitt Lotz Eric McFadden
Barberton Magics
Coach- David Kaser Conference- Suburban League (American) Home Course- Pine Valley Last Year’s Results- Suburban League – American Conference – 7th place
Returning Players Axel Danes- 11th Maxton Oktela- 12th Alex Papp- 10th Jonathan Kefalos- 10th
Coach Comments- After graduating our top 3 players from last year, we will need to rely on the young guys to step up and fill the void. I am expecting Axel Danes to step up and take the number 1 position and lead the team all season.
Berea-Midpark Titans
Coach- Jim Cook Conference- Southwestern Conference Home Course- Big Met Last Year’s Results- SWC Tournament Champions
Returning Players Oliver Marcelo- 12th Gavin Wagner- 12th Luke Higgins- 12th Thomas Harrington- 10th
Potential New Contributors Luke Silva- 10th Reid Shrefler- 12th Justin Sawchin- 12th Riley Mason- 12th Ian Kowalewski- 12th
Coach Comments- The 2026 BMHS Titan Boys golf team has a ton of returning experience & we hope to capitalize on that.
Brunswick Blue Devils
Coach- Jacob Fudale Conference- Greater Cleveland Conference Home Course- Pine Hills X- bwickbgolf Last Year’s Results- 3rd overall in the GCC
Potential New Contributors Isaac Morgan- 9th David Diamond- 10th Greyson DeSarle- 11th
Coach Comments- I am excited about this upcoming season and what our guys bring to the table. The returning players in our program will take some big leaps this year and help us tremendously. We are also excited about the young talent in our program. Our guys have been working all off-season to get better and we feel that we are headed in the right direction. Players to watch: Senior, Vinny Coven Sophomore, Liam Cooney Freshman, Isaac Morgan
Canton McKinley Bulldogs
Coach- Bryan Herberghs Conference- Federal League Home Course- Spring Valley Last Year’s Results- Graduated Stark County Player of the Year Thomas Mankowski. Thomas also qualified for the District Tournament for the 2nd year in a row
Coach Comments- It will be a rebuilding year as a whole new set of golfers come in.
CVCA Royals
Coach- Adam Armstrong Conference- North Coast Conference Home Course- Brookledge Last Year’s Results- Won the NCC Conference. 3rd at Sectionals, 5th at Sectionals.
Returning Players Andrew Van Hala- 12th Ben Pittner- 12th Owen Weber- 11th Brayden Cyrek- 12th Vince Leone- 12th
Coach Comments- An experienced group of players returns after only losing 1 senior but bumping up to Division 1.
GlenOak Golden Eagles
Coach- Scott McCahan Conference- Federal League Home Course- Arrowhead Golf Club
Coach Comments- We return a lot of Varsity experience from last year led by Eddie Karam. If these players worked hard in the off season improving their games, we should be very competitive. Freshman Parker Thurman should compete for a Varsity position.
Harvey Red Raiders
Coach- Scott Cummings Conference- Chagrin Valley Conference Home Course- Painesville Country Club Team Website Facebook- Harvey Red Raider Golf Team Instagram- harveyredraidergolf Last Year’s Results- 6-14
Returning Players Luke Cvelbar- 12th James Ball- 11th Dominic Cannon- 11th
Potential New Contributors Brian Martinez- 10th TJ Ingram- 10th
Coach Comments- We will be very young and inexperienced this year, as we graduated 4 out of 5 Varsity players last year. We are working hard to close the gap from our new players to the experienced ones.
Archbishop Hoban Knights
Coach- Quinn Parker Conference- Independent Home Course- Mud Run (Brookside Country Club , Portage Country Club, and Firestone Country Club) Last Year’s Results- 5th Place Division I State Championship
Returning Players Ben Berridge Carter Stircula Thomas Grasson Ray Koeberle Nash Vrabel Will Nolan Sully Evans Zach Griffin
Coach Comments- We are looking forward to another high school golf season. We will have one of the best high school golf schedules in the whole state. Ben Berridge and Ray Koeberle will be leading the team this year. The team goal will be make its 9th straight division I State Championship appearance.
Hoover Vikings
Coach- Scott Snyder (transitioning to Kevin Stingel) Conference- Federal League Home Course- Arrowhead Golf Course Last Year’s Results- Federal League 2nd place, 3rd Place OHSAA Sectionals, 9th Place OHSAA Districts
Returning Players Owen Casper- 12th Joey Stehura- 12th Jackson Millington- 12th Will Zollinger- 12th Anthony Gambone- 11th Carter Hershberger- 11th Carter Thorn- 11th
Coach Comments- We hope to be competitive every time we play, as we return a very solid group of players.
Howland Tigers
Coach- John Guarnieri Conference- All-American Conference Home Course- Old Avalon Last Year’s Results- One District qualifier
Coach Comments- We graduated 4 Seniors but have 3 or 4 young men that can fill the void.
Hudson Explorers
Coach- Dave Kurtz Conference- Suburban League (National) Home Course- The Country Club of Hudson Last Year’s Results- 2nd in the Suburban league, 1st at the Sectional tournament, and 5th at the District tournament
Returning Players Ben Fauver- 12th Dexter James- 12th Jerry Du- 12th Barrett Atchison- 12th
Coach Comments- We are excited about the upcoming season. We are led by Ohio State commit Ben Fauver and 2025 state qualifier Dexter James and two other strong seniors. They are all working very hard to earn a trip to the State Championship at NCR Country Club.
Jackson Polar Bears
Coach- Mike Fisher Conference- Federal League Home Course- Shady Hollow CC Last Year’s Results- Sectional Champions, 5th at Districts, 1 State Qualifier
Returning Players Ben Young- 11th Griffin Belden- 12th Fritz Houston- 12th
Potential New Contributors Jack Bell- 12th Charlie Hudec- 10th Ben Wood- 10th Elijah Kasler- 10th
Kenston Bombers
Coach- Jim Cerha Conference- Suburban League (American) Home Course- Tanglewood X- @KenstonGolf Instagram- @Kenston_Boys_Golf
Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders
Coach- Chris Nauer Conference- Metro Athletic Conference Home Course- Windmill Lakes Last Year’s Results- Suburban League Champs
Coach Comments- Excited about the upcoming season. The guys have been on the range / course throughout the summer. Looking for their hard work and dedication to pay off come season and tournament time! Great group of golfers and even better individuals.
Lakewood Rangers
Coach- Derek Smith Conference- Cleveland West Conference Home Course- Washington Park GC Last Year’s Results- 3 and 6, 7 place CWC
Returning Players James Sattler – 12th Seamus McGann- 12th Ben Charkosky- 12th Connor Theofilos- 10th Olivia Andregg- 12th
Potential New Contributors Cole Rogers- 10th Jack Kilroy- 11th
Coach Comments- 3 out of the four Seniors will be playing for their 4th season and expectations are high that Lakewood will have one of its most successful seasons in the last 10 years.
Louisville Leopards
Coach- Michael McFerren Conference- All-American Conference Home Course- Sleepy Hollow in Alliance Facebook- Louisville Leopard Boys Golf Last Year’s Results- 6-6
Returning Players Gunnar Greco- 10th Noah Ickes- 10th Caleb Johnson- 12th Isaac Johnson- 11th Landon Lydick- 10th Emilio Rodriguez- 10th
Potential New Contributors Owen Emerick- 11th Ethan Gruber- 12th Lucas Longacre- 9th Carter Parker- 9th Isaac Rundquist- 9th
Coach Comments- For the first time since the 2018 season, we enter the 2026 as a member of a league, joining the All American Conference. We return 6 letter winners from last year’s team, with all 6 getting ready for the second year of high school golf (4 freshmen, a junior, and a senior). We also have a few freshmen that are looking to push their teammates for Varsity playing time. We are hoping to get better each day and find ourselves challenging for a League Championship come late September and potentially get at least an individual out of the Sectional Tournament. Noah Ickes returns as our #1 golfer with a lot of tournament experience and a year of high school golf under his belt.
Massillon Tigers
Coach- Josh Sykora Conference- Independent Home Course- The Legends of Massillon Instagram- tigerbgolf1
Potential New Contributors Camden Smith- 9th John Schneider- 12th
Coach Comments- Incoming freshman Camden Smith (2030) was the NOPGA Player of The Year last year has huge potential. Returning varsity player Gino Milini has put in a lot of off season work and is going to have a major role this year on the team.
Midview Middies
Coach- Kyle Zimmer Conference- Southwestern Conference Home Course- Brentwood Social Media- @midviewboysgolf
Potential New Contributors Brady Hlavacs- 11th Carter Van Putten- 10th
Riverside Beavers
Coach- Mike Pickett, PGA Conference- Greater Cleveland Conference Home Course- Little Mountain CC Last Year’s Results- WRC Conference Champions- Undefeated 10-0 in Matches both three years in a row. District NE Team Qualifier. Moving to a new conference this year after the WRC broke apart.
Returning Players Griffin Pickett- 12th Ben Ozinga- 10th
Potential New Contributors Destin Moore- 10th
Coach Comments- Looking forward to the new conference change. This will be Coach Pickett’s final year coaching Riverside.
Rocky River Pirates
Coach- Paul Roby Conference- Cleveland West Conference Home Course- Big Met Team Website X- @RR_BoysGolf Last Year’s Results- CWC – 2nd place, SVSM Invite Champs, Sectional Tournament – 1st place, District Qualifiers
Potential New Contributors Gordon Hudson- 12th Charlie Fitz- 12th Anthony Coyne- 11th
Coach Comments- After a successful season that saw us reach the district tournament, this senior-heavy group enters the year with high expectations and valuable experience. Our goal is to build on last year’s accomplishments by returning to districts, competing for individual state tournament berths, and reclaiming the conference championship. With strong leadership and a deep roster, we are focused on continuing to elevate the program and establishing a standard of sustained success.
Shaker Heights Raiders
Coach- Paul Sampliner Conference- Greater Cleveland Conference Home Course- Shaker CC/Highland Park GC
Returning Players Cole Vondriska- 11th Joey Day- 12th Joe Pernsteiner- 12th Max Brokaw- 11th Pete Linz- 11th
Coach Comments- Looking for a big improvement with this group.
St. Vincent-St. Mary Irish
Coach- Jim Currie Conference- Independent Home Course- Good Park GC Team Website Instagram- stvmboysgolf Twitter- @stvmboysgolf
Returning Players Alex Daugherty Giovanni Nonno
Potential New Contributors Griffin Jonda Ian Porter Ronan Civak Bentley LaCroix
Coach Comments- We will be very young and very inexperienced this year. I think we will possibly have multiple players rotating onto the varsity roster to see what we may have for the future.
Stow Bulldogs
Coach- Chet Feldman Conference- Suburban League (National) Home Course- Fox Den/Silver Lake CC Last Year’s Results- 3rd in league, advanced to district
Returning Players Oliver Huff- 12th Gavin Schneider- 12th Carter Edwards- 12th
Potential New Contributors Lucas Cutlip- 11th (transfer) Ryder Horwath- 10th Joey Reitz- 10th Jackson Jones- 10th
Coach Comments- I am excited to see how this year shakes out as we have many players with potential. This will be a crucial summer for their development.
Strongsville Mustangs
Coach- Steve King Conference- Greater Cleveland Conference Home Course- Bunker Hill GC Social Media- @SHS_Golf14 Last Year’s Results- Third in GCC behind Medina and Mentor
Potential New Contributors Tyler Setser- 9th Aiden Shellhammer- 9th
Tallmadge Blue Devils
Coach- Scott Campbell Conference- Metro Athletic Conference Home Course- Brookledge Last Year’s Results- 6-3 in matches, Finished 5th out of 22 in the Stow Invitational and Finished 6th in the Suburban League
Returning Players Tommy Huth- 12th Sawyer Wagner- 12th Ryan Beattie- 11th Corey Rader- 11th Jake Leonard- 10th Brayden Brooks- 10th
Potential New Contributors Landon Cullion- 11th Garrett Hilkert- 10th George Van Horn- 10th Landon Mitchell- 10th
Coach Comments- We are moving into a new league (MAC) and are looking forward to the new challenge. We have 3 returners that have Varsity experience – Tommy Huth, Ryan Beattie and Jake Leonard. I am looking forward seeing them take a leadership role on our team and compete each and every day.
University School Preppers
Coach- Aaron Sayre Conference- Independent Home Course- The Country Club Team Website Last Year’s Results- 9th in State Tournament
Returning Players Nate Chege- 12th Trip Doyle- 12th Will Cody- 12th Eddie Gardiner- 11th Carter Pinney- 11th
Coach Comments- Returning 5 of 6 players in the starting lineup and looking to advance to the state tournament for the third year in a row.
Valley Forge Patriots
Coach- Mitchell Hartel Conference- Cleveland West Conference Home Course- Ridgewood Golf Course Instagram- @vfhartel Last Year’s Results- 6-1 in dual matches, 8th place in CWC.
Coach Comments- We are returning a motivated and hard working group of Seniors this season. Last year, at our first CWC Tournament, we collectively shot a 406. By the season’s end, we were down in the 360s, which demonstrates the success and hard work of this group. Returning is last year’s MVP, Myles Wisniewski. He is known for his long drives, and looks to continue to put himself into a good position of the tee. The hardest working one in the bunch is Senior Brody Daniels. The growth of his game has been incredible, and it is because of his consistently hard work in his free time. He is committed toward getting better each day, and will pose a real challenge to be our Team MVP this season. Nolan, Tyler and Justin, all Seniors, who have continuously gotten better as they have played more. Each are hard workers who show true dedication toward getting better. It will be a very exciting group to watch as this season comes forward!
Wadsworth Grizzlies
Coach- Steve Ferris Conference- Suburban League Home Course- Pine Valley
Coach Comments- We have high expectations this season. We have a great core group returning. We are expecting big things out of seniors Chase Otradovec and Bennett Nichols. We expect big contributions from juniors Ajay Hill and Colten Patrick. And- don’t sleep on up and coming sophomore John Brantley and Senior Max Haughn.
Walsh Jesuit Warriors
Coach- Bill Reilly PGA Conference- Independent Home Course- Brookledge GC, Ellsworth Meadows Last Year’s Results- 2025 Team Broke the school scoring record with 291 twice this past Fall and won a record 8 tournaments …along with 13 Top 3 finishes
Returning Players Nick Kwieciak- 11th Kale Zurakowski- 12th Luke Voinovich- 12th Matthew Czenszak- 11th Mossimo Russo- 11th
Potential New Contributors Cole Grzylo- 10th Eddie Gleine- 11th Jack Tomaszewski- 10th
Coach Comments- 2025 was a power packed year winning 8 tournaments and setting a school scoring record..yet not making it to the State tournament has made these guys hungry for that next step. I believe we will be prepared
Westlake Demons
Coach- Luke Harris Conference- Cleveland West Conference Home Course- Big Met Team Website X- Demons_Golf Instagram- demons_boys_golf Last Year’s Results- Conference champs, district qualifiers, Comet Invite Champs, EC invite champs, won all 4 CWC Tournaments, Midview Invitational Champs, Multiple individual wins (Peyton Wolf won 3 CWC Tournaments and the Ranger Invitational, Matthew Brown won the Midview Invitational), Team scoring average of 314, Peyton Wolf broke the record for eagles in a season with 4, Matthew Brown broke the record for birdies in a season with 39.
Potential New Contributors Ryan Camden- 12th Tim Valentine- 12th Luke Hyland- 12th Seth Schons- 12th
Coach Comments- We lost 6 of our 8 Varsity golfers from last year. This years team will be full of Seniors, but few of them with Varsity Golf experience. This season’s success will be based on who steps up to fill all of these available spots. One major player to watch this season is Peyton Wolf. He is a 4 time Varsity golfer and has been one of our best golfers every year since his Freshman season. He has come close to making it to State the last two seasons and I strongly believe this will be the year he breaks through. Expect a lot of low rounds and tournament wins from him this year.
Willoughby South Rebels
Coach- Matt Fundak Conference- Chagrin Valley Conference Home Course- Manakiki Social Media- #SouthRebelGolf Last Year’s Results- Last year we finished 2nd overall in the final year of the WRC conference amd we won the conference tournament. We finished 5th as a team at Sectionals and had the number 1 qualifier out of Quail Hollow in Ralph Zappola.
Returning Players Ralph Zappola- 12th Jack Kubish- 12th Sam Leskiewicz- 12th Sam Longworth- 12th
Potential New Contributors Tyler Zappola- 9th Matt Keptner- 10th Nick Ward- 12th
Coach Comments- We are moving to the CVC conference this year. Our Section of the conference is loaded. We hope to be competitive with our experience. Would also love to see this group get out of the Sectional.
A huge thank you to the many coaches who took the time to send in their team information!
Bay Rockets
Coach- Rick Manderine Conference- Cleveland West Conference Home Course- Sweetbriar Legacy Last Year’s Results- 2nd Place @ Cleveland West Conference Championship, 4th Place @ Sectionals
Returning Players Matthew Mileti- 12th Emmitt Naughton- 12th Ryan Skryp- 12th Will Schrock 12th
Potential New Contributors Blake Ropelewski- 11th Aiden Carey- 10th Sam Vardon- 10th
Coach Comments- After nearly qualifying Districts last season the fellas are eager make some noise this season. The squad returns four seniors. Our senior class will be the catalysts of the squad. (Sr.) Matthew Mileti will take over the reins. He gained valuable experience at the varsity level the last two seasons. Matthew qualified for sectionals and nearly advanced to state scoring a 76 at Windmill Lake. He’s a high level competitor. His short game is strong. (Sr.) Emmitt Naughton is primed for a strong campaign. His power will be on full display. The younger players are ready to compete and earn valuable varsity-time. Team Goals: Compete with the high level teams in the area, make noise in the CWC conference and make a deep run into the Division II tournament.
Edgewood Warriors
Coach- Ben Frable Conference- Chagrin Valley Conference (Lake) Home Course- Village Green Golf Course Facebook- Edgewood Athletics Last Year’s Results- Finished 12-1 Overall, 9-1 CVC, CVC LAKE Division Champions, Sectional Champions (1st time since 1986), 2nd Place Karl Pearson Tournament, 3rd Place North Hills Tournament in Corry, Pa (1st and 2nd place were top four teams at PA State Tournament), Tied 9 hole team score record
Returning Players Connor Penny- 11th Jackson Heinbaugh- 10th Michael Brydle- 10th Zane Scheanon- 10th
Potential New Contributors Lucas Bisbee- 11th Kolton Stern- 9th Seve Ponteri- 9th
Coach Comments- We are looking to continue the success from last season. We need a couple of players to step up this year after having five seniors graduate. Connor Penny is going to be the leader of the team this year. He has experience from the District Tournament that will be very beneficial this year. Jackson, Mikey, and Zane all made good improvement last year and will be contributors to the team. I am excited about Lucas, Kolton, Seve and others joining this year and providing depth and competition in practices and matches.
Gilmour Academy Lancers
Coach- Spencer Crone Conference- Independent Instagram- galancerbgolf Last Year’s Results- Team Win at NEO Futures Tour Kickoff Classic, 2nd Place Finish at Sectionals, 3rd Place Finish at Districts, 12th Place Finish DII State Championship
Returning Players Enzo Marous- 10th
Potential New Contributors Luke Woodhouse- 11th Marty Klang- 10th Lorenzo Salvatore- 11th
Coach Comments- We are a young team with new faces looking to build a strong community to better each other to create long term success with our program.
Kirtland Hornets
Coach- Sam Kless Conference- Chagrin Valley Conference (Valley) Home Course- St Denis Last Year’s Results- CVC champions. Overall record 13-6. First place in sectionals
Returning Players Nick Nead- 12th Sammy ridgeway- 12th Ryan Green- 12th Johnny Scalish- 11th Maggie Kothera- 12th Nolan VanLoan- 12th
Potential New Contributors Chase Sudlik- 9th
Coach Comments- Looking forward to coaching this great group of now seniors Should be exciting to watch this year!
Lake Catholic Cougars
Coach- Marty Hyland Conference- North Coast Conference Home Course- Black Brook
Potential New Contributors Warren Ross- 9th Colton Kovein- 9th
Pymatuning Valley Lakers
Coach- Jeff Compan Conference- Northeastern Athletic Conference Home Course- Bronzwood Golf Course Last Year’s Results- 20-0 regular Season Dual Matches, Won Battle of the Border, Won Karl Pearson Invitational, Won Berkshire Invitational and won NAC Championship
Coach Comments- We are excited about our group coming back! We bring back 5/6 of our players from last year. Junior Rylan Compan led our team in scoring and was medalist at the Quail Hollow Sectional, Seniors Andrew Wludyga and Logan Paul both averaged under 40 last season. We are excited to see what this group can accomplish this year.
Springfield Spartans
Coach- Jack Morgan Conference- Metro Athletic Conference Home Course- Chenoweth Golf Course Last Year’s Results- 16-3 Overall; 12-2 Conference
Returning Players Andy Langenek- 12th Nathan Meyer- 11th Liam Miller- 11th Nathan Vorthong- 10th Carter Hahn- 10th
Potential New Contributors Tony Southall- 10th Brandon Woodward- 10th
Coach Comments- The Spartans are looking to compete for the conference title in Springfield’s last season in the Metro Athletic Conference. With 5 returning starters, Springfield has the depth to play with anyone.
Streetsboro Rockets
Coach- Bruce Thomas Conference- Metro Athletic Conference Home Course- Twin Lakes in Kent Last Year’s Results- MAC regular and postseason champion (MAC record of 13-1 and overall record of 16-2) and district qualifier.
Potential New Contributors Silas Hunt- 10th Jayden Kravetz- 10th Russell Bolyard- 10th Mason Sanford- 10th Jack Simpson- 10th Nick Maynard- 10th
Coach Comments- Dom Marcin and Brody Sanford should have great seasons this year and will be leaders for us this year.
Tuslaw Mustangs
Coach- Matt Halter Conference- Principals Athletic Conference Home Course- The Elms Team Website Facebook- Tuslaw Boys Golf Last Year’s Results- 19-1 Overall, 12-0 PAC Conference Champions, Advanced to the District Tournament
Returning Players Nick Lytle- 12th Kole Back- 12th Elijah Cockrill- 11th Jase Beall- 11th Hudson Hoffman- 11th Kyle Tapp- 11th
Potential New Contributors Michael Rohr- 10th Cooper Tapp- 9th
Coach Comments- We won the PAC – 7 Conference title for the first time in 30 years. We only lost one player due to graduation from last year’s squad. So we are planning to make another run. The team will be led by senior Nick Lytle and junior Elijah Cockrill. Lytle was first team All-PAC and first team All-Stark County last year. Cockrill was first team All-PAC and Honorable Mention All-Stark County. Kole Back, Jase Beall, Hudson Hoffman and Kyle Tapp will also help contribute to our success. This is going to be a fun team to watch. They have really worked hard the past few years and now we are seeing all of that pay off.
Ursuline Fighting Irish
Coach- Nick Jaminet Conference- Independent Home Course- Stambaugh Golf Course Last Year’s Results- Finished 4th at Districts. Sent one player to State.
Returning Players Christopher Sammartino
Potential New Contributors Dean Herriman- 10th Samuel Manning- 10th Chase Ogden- 12th Matthew Pesa- 12th Antonio Ricchiuti- 12th Preston Walker- 10th
Coach Comments- The Ursuline boys golf team enters the season with a young and inexperienced roster, returning just one starter from last year’s squad. While several underclassmen will be asked to step into key roles, a few new seniors are also expected to provide important contributions and leadership. The team is excited about the opportunity to grow and develop throughout the season, with a focus on improving every day, gaining valuable experience, and playing its best golf when it matters most at the end of the year.
Waynedale Golden Bears
Coach- Melinda Budd Conference- Wayne County Athletic League Home Course- Riceland Golf Course Last Year’s Results- The Elms Sectional Winner, Windmill Lakes District Runner Up,State Team Qualifier, WCAL League Champions, First place at following tournaments Windmill Lakes Tank Heisler Classic, Hillsdale Invitational, Deegan Bee Memorial, and State Farm Invitational, Compiled overall record of 23-0
Coach Comments- Lost two top players to graduation in Jordan Miller (36.0 and 73.6 avg.) and Hank Miller ( 39.9 and 79.2 avg.) We have a good group returning and they are hungry to get back to State Tournament as a team, after the disappointing rain cancellation of last years DII state tournament at NCR in Dayton
West Geauga Wolverines
Coach- Jay Kletecka Conference- Chagrin Valley Conference Home Course- Fowler’s Mill Golf Course Last Year’s Results- 6th in sectionals with a 344, Dylan Phillips shot a 74, Dylan was medalist at districts with a 71 and then shot 78 at state and finished in 6th place to get second team all-state
Returning Players Austin Congdon- 12th Anderson Osolin- 12th Dylan Phillips- 11th Jackson Clark- 11th MItchell Nitz- 11th Nick Gierman- 11th
Potential New Contributors Anna Phillips- 9th
Coach Comments- We are looking forward to seeing Dylan and Anna golf together this year. We hope to challenge for the league title and advance golfers through sectionals and have a great team showing in post-season tournaments.
Coach Comments- This will be my first year here with the coed Pirates. We will be young and inexperienced for the most part, but hoping we will improve each week and experience some success as the season goes on. We have added more matches this year than in the past so hopefully they will learn and have fun playing some new courses throughout the season.
Cardinal Huskies
Coach- Mike Topalian Conference- Northeastern Athletic Conference Home Course- Pleasant Hill Facebook- cardinal.huskies.golf X- @CardinalHSGolf Last Year’s Results- NAC – 2nd
Coach Comments- The Huskies will look to rebuild quickly after losing 3 of the top 5 players from last year. A team full of travel baseball players will have to switch mindsets right away to start the season on a positive note.
Columbiana Clippers
Coach- Bob Hall Conference- Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference Home Course- Valley Golf Course Last Year’s Results- League Champions 2nd in sectionals 5th in district
Returning Players Luke Struharik- 10th Roman Sanfrey- 10th Nolan Clark- 10th Jamison Neil- 10th Preston Lawton- 11th Geoffrey Malcomson- 12th Trenton Hall- 12th David Masters- 12th Nick Klindworth- 12th Troy Fry- 12th Oliver Cuff- 12th Alex Mascher- 12th
Coach Comments- Hope to repeat as league champs & with returning letterman goal is to advance farther in Sectionals & Districts
East Canton Hornets
Coach- Alan Petroli II Conference- Inter Valley Conference Home Course- Clearview Last Year’s Results- 4th in IVC north, 14th at Stark County Invitational.
Returning Players Jayce Pocock- 12th Alex Croston- 12th Kenneth Ford Jr- 11th Dylan Lint- 11th Nathan Schen- 11th
Potential New Contributors Dominick Sierzant- 12th Logan Fenderson- 12th
Coach Comments- As this team has matured, they have grown closer both on and off the course. Several golfers have taken their games to the next level, and we expect big accomplishments from the core of this talented squad. Competing on a historic course has helped shape these young men into smarter golfers, improving both their course management and shot selection. With a strong group of returning varsity players—including N. Schen, K. Ford, D. Lint, A. Croston, and J. Pocock—the foundation of this team is built on experience and dedication. These players have put in significant work during the offseason, continually pushing themselves to improve and elevate their performance. In addition, a talented group of potential varsity contributors, including D. Sierzant, L. Henderson, C. Moore, X. Dougherty, J. Hendricks, and L. Moore, are ready to take the next step and make an impact. With a blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent, East Canton Golf is poised to make some noise this season and compete at a high level.
Lake Center Christian Tigers
Coach- Doug Byler Conference- Independent Home Course- Sable Creek GC Team Website Last Year’s Results- 5-5 2025 Jacob Ranieri State Qualifier finished 6th
Returning Players Jacob Rainieri- 12th Mazon Pizor- 12th Gabe Donatelli- 11th Andrew Fogle- 11th Parker Briggs- 11th
Coach- Matt Vukovic Conference- Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference (Scarlet) Home Course- Mahoning Country Club Last Year’s Results- 14-2 overall, 13-1 league Co-MVAC Champions, Sectionals- 7th
Returning Players Zach Booth- 11th Nick Larson- 11th
Potential New Contributors Dacota Hickox- 11th Lucas Morar- 11th Kiran Jones- 11th Owen Cappuzzello- 10th
Coach Comments- The Blue Devils will be looking to surprise people after key departures from a senior heavy team last year. The player development seems to be working, but there is very little experience for a team hungry to keep its traditions alive. There will be a lot of golfers put into pressure situations early as they grow throughout the year.
Mineral Ridge Rams
Coach- Nick Flaviano Conference- Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Home Course- Duck Creek Golf Course Team Website Last Year’s Results- 4-14
Coach Comments- There are a lot of very athletic individuals coming out for golf this year. The team is led by some excellent upper classman. The sky is the limit for this group of young men this year!
Waterloo Vikings
Coach- Andrew Young Conference- Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Home Course- Paradise Lake Instagram- @waterloo_golfteam
Coach Comments- We have a strong core of varsity players who can really make some noise this season if they play up to their potential. It’s a great group of kids who all genuinely love the game. We are all excited to see what the season may bring.
Wellington Dukes
Coach- Tom Guyer Jr Conference- Lorain County Conference Home Course- Echo Valley
Returning Players James Wacker- 11th Zach Kehl- 11th Luke Sword- 11th Calab Hamer- 12th
Potential New Contributors Hayden Davison- 9th Joshua Beat- 9th
Coach Comments- Young team that had to grow up after last year. Players have been working hard this off season.
As the sun was setting over Manakiki Golf Course in Willoughby Hills, Ohio, I stood in the parking lot as one of three remaining Golden Age Classic competitors still left at the course. Cole Chluda was texting on his phone and his brother Luke was frantically zooming around the already traversed 18 holes looking for his 56 degree wedge. Little did he know, that it was already waiting for him at the cart barn and he would finally be able to celebrate his victory in style. “Which was more important?” I asked, “The tournament victory or finding your wedge?” Obviously the wedge. “I’m going to need that for Wednesday,” the junior at Hudson High School responded, alluding to the beginning of the high school golf season.
Chluda shot a stellar 77 at the Donald Ross course, two shots ahead of his brother, to win the 3rd annual Golden Age Classic. The course was in immaculate condition and the superintendent apparently knew we were coming. We knew we would be in for a treat when the first hole was tucked three paces on the front right corner of the green. I hit three putts beginning from just off the green on the collar, each putt seemingly longer than the previous. I managed to hold things together and shoot an 83 with no three putts, but it was clear from the beginning of the day that it would not be good enough to win the tournament. Cole Chluda’s 79 was good enough for second while Joe Welsch shot an 81 to finish in 3rd place.
Brad Zahar put together a solid 87, despite a little fizzling at the end, and he was able to capture the B flight championship. Doug Benzel played well all day but left a few too many shots out there as his 93 was good enough for second place while Kevin Collins took third place with a 97. Everyone raved about the conditions of the golf course and the picturesque setting on the finishing green.
In the women’s division, it was Cloverleaf senior superstar Quinn Malarkey taking home the trophy with a really good round of 83. She held off Julia Van Bokkelen, the only veteran of the tournament on the women’s side, by three strokes as they made their way around the historic layout. St. Joseph Academy senior Willa Streeter got off to a rough start but composed herself and finished strong to take third place.
In the end, the tournament isn’t one with a “win at all costs” mindset and the thing I appreciate most about it is that the players take that attitude when they come in. Everyone wants to win but they understand the more important side of the game of golf, and all competitive sports, and that is the desire to get better at what you do, show you are a good person, and compete with dignity, honor, and respect. There is a certain type of person that is drawn to a tournament like this, and I am proud to say that 21 of those people showed up on Sunday, had an amazing time, and left with all the golf clubs they came with.
The 2026 golf season is less than two weeks away and players from all over Northeast Ohio are preparing themselves to try out for their teams. Coaches are making their final preparations to get ready for what they hope is a magical Fall of 2026. Meanwhile, two legendary coaches are navigating life on the other side of high school golf. For the first time in decades, the Northeast Ohio golf scene will not feature Mary Becker or Marti Hardy. Becker started the program at Highland High School and is the only coach the program has ever had. Marti Hardy ends her stellar career at Laurel School as she leaves a very similar situation.
Standout Highland player Isabella Goyette, going into her junior year as a member of the Kent State women’s golf team leaves this message for Coach Becker: “Coach, first of all congrats on an amazing career in Highland Golf!! I am so happy and honored to have had you as my guide in high school. You’ve always inspired and driven me to be my best, which I am forever grateful for.” Goyette continued, “I can’t say I have a favorite memory, but your sandwiches always stood out to me. Thank you for all of the good moments that I will never forget. You truly have built something great for Highland Girls Golf. I am so thankful for all that you did to help me not only grow as a player, but as a person as well. Thank you for everything Coach, and enjoy retirement!! You deserve it!”
Siena Maschke is also going into her junior year as a member of the Denison University women’s golf team. She had several memories to share of “Senora” Hardy, a well-respected Spanish teacher at Laurel. “I would say some of my best memories with Senora are from the State Tournament and her support through my three years at States. Even after I graduated from Laurel, she would still come watch me play for Denison. I keep in touch with her and see her over breaks. She has always been like family to me, and I see her as one of my role models in life. She knows how to live life through a positive lens and lover her job every day.” After that touching tribute, Maschke also added, “She also makes the best carmelita brownies.”
While most readers now are craving brownies, they probably are wondering what the future holds for the Highland and Laurel programs. Chris Kestner at Highland and Zachary Stenger at Laurel will obviously have big shoes to fill. Becker’s greatest accomplishment on the course was sending 12 teams to the State Tournament. Hardy had the opportunity to coach some phenomenal individual stars. Siena Maschke and Jami Morris are the most recent players that made appearances in Columbus to represent Hardy and the Gators.
Marti Hardy will continue to be a fixture in high school golf as she plans to still be involved at the yearly Canterbury Invitational. Mary Becker is still assisting Highland with scheduling and running tournaments. Both coaches will be dearly missed as members of the Northeast Ohio Golf Coaches Association.
The Highland golf team created a video to commemorate Becker’s career which they have graciously shared with us. It can be seen below.
CONGRATULATIONS ON WONDERFUL CAREERS TO MARY BECKER AND MARTI HARDY!
With the emergence of Girls Golf being added to the Cleveland West Conference, there are several teams that will be playing in both the LEGGA and the CWC. The teams in both will be featured in the CWC Preview post. In the LEGGA, the Keystone Wildcats will be the team to beat. They are one of the top Division 2 teams in the state and are led by one of the best players in the state, junior Sophia Clarico. What the Wildcats have that many Division 2 teams lack though is depth. Seniors Caseabella Fye and Kennedy Accavallo provide that for Keystone and that is the reason that they made the State Tournament last year and are favorites to repeat that journey again this season. The Columbia Raiders have a new head coach, Jacki Daymut, who will look to return Columbia to the place they were in earlier this decade. Wellington is a program that is continuing to build under coach James Feliciano.
Head Coach- David Slee Last Year’s Results- 1st at The Pines Sectional, 1st at Good Park District, 4th at State Tournament, Won the LEGGA Conference Coach’s Comments- We plan on making another run at States and our conference title