Division 2 girls golf in Northeast Ohio is always fun because new teams are able to make a push each year. There are, of course, some programs that are constantly in the hunt, but every year there are schools that come out of nowhere to make heroic runs at District and State tournament berths. Here are 15 teams that we see contending in 2026. There are definitely more out there but we may not know who they are yet.

Starstruck

The Keystone Wildcats get better every year. Having the phenomenal skills and talents of Sophia Clarico the last two years has been a big reason why. Keystone is a contender, though, because of the improvement of their 2-4 players on the roster, including seniors Caseabella Fye and Kennedy Accavallo. The three of them, led by Clarico, will look for a final piece in 2026 and could very possibly return to the State Tournament.

Another Class of 2028 superstar is Elizabeth Pollock of Chagrin Falls. She has led the Tigers on and off the course over the past two seasons and 2026 should be no different. Chagrin Falls will have a new coach, Tom Porten, this fall and will rely on a similar supporting class with a lot of returning skill. Senior Natalie Venorsky and Kate Murphy should help form a formidable lineup as the Tigers look to be one of the top teams again.

This year’s deep junior class also features Samantha Morgan of Southeast High School. Following in the footsteps of some stellar performers, Morgan is the next in line for the Pirates. Add in junior Jennifer Mix and sophomore Emily Morrison, and Southeast will also be in the hunt to advance a long way during tournament season.

Last year’s super freshman Avery Robinette from Champion is back and will be looking to lead the Flashes on a long run into October. Senior Brilea Woods will be her tag team partner and Champion will hope to build up their depth spots in an effort to continue their program’s recent success.

Anuja Patel will be one of the top seniors in the state of Ohio as she embarks on her final season at Orange High School. The Lions lose some pieces to graduation but could also see strong incoming freshman class. Orange is a team to watch out for as their players will continue to get better throughout the season.

Reloading

Columbiana might be the best example of a small school that just keeps bringing in talented players on a yearly basis. The Clippers are always competitive and always have one of the deeper large rosters in Northeast Ohio. Senior Maddie Jackson will be the player to watch for the Clippers and the exceptional senior class will be rounded out with both Claire Banner and Victoria Buckingham.

Gilmour is a team on the rebound, much because of the emergence of Callie Dennison, a freshman last year who turned into one of the top players on the roster. Dennison should be the top player on Gilmour’s roster and will be helped by a strong senior class that includes Brooke Leedy and Mae Steigerwald.

The Norris/Morris duo at Lakeview has been fun to watch over the past two years and this year junior Olivia Norris and senior Parker Morris will once again be key pieces for the Bulldogs. Add in junior Madeline Isenberg along with one other potential piece and Lakeview could be right at the top of the District Tournament.

After coming out of nowhere over the last two seasons, Tuslaw’s youth has matured into a fine golf team. The Mustangs will once again be paced by now senior Avery Rodocker with a strong group behind her. Juniors Hadley Porter and Emilee Urbas are the next two up as Tuslaw should continue with another strong season.

In Beloit, Ohio, senior Bella Linger will lead the the West Branch Warriors on the course in 2026. Teaming up with junior Emma McLaughlin and building on the depth that the team has shown, West Branch will make a mark in the Mahoning Valley yet again this upcoming fall.

On the Doorstep

Not long ago, people didn’t even know that Mapleton High School in Ashland County even existed. Now they are a contender in D2 golf in Northeast Ohio. With a huge junior class that has grown together, the Mounties are excited to see what the next chapter has in store for them. Kail Callihan, Reagan Hickey, and Payten Frye are the three top juniors that will pace Mapleton this fall.

The Poland Bulldogs are consistently a top performer in the Northeast 8 Conference. They don’t have the star power at the top of the lineup but they make up for it with depth throughout. Junior Cadence berendt and sophomore Capri Carchedi will be the top players on the roster this year as Poland plans to be competitive throughout the season.

Independence is another team that had a youthful group two years ago that has continued to grow together. Juniors Abbey Cottrell and Jamie Tresp along with several other juniors will look to bring the Blue Devils and coach Mike Gruber back to where the program expects to be.

Seniors Alayna Valley and Savannah Turek have been mainstays on Mineral Ridge’s roster since they arrived at the high school. The Rams are a team that has been right on the edge of competitiveness and 2026 could be the breakout season that they have been hoping for.

Lake Catholic has gotten better every single year under coach Tony Zampedro. Last year was one of, if not the top year in program history. The Cougars will have a lot to make up for with the loss of Ella Zampedro and Emma Madsen to graduation. Stepping into the top spot on the roster will be Mao Edwards, a junior who has come out of nowhere to be a solid player, along with senior Maddie Cox.