By Bobby Narang
Hinsdale Central High School is one of the top teams in the State and motivated to make a run at the State title this season in girls golf. Top returnees include Sara Han, Amelia Gambla, Anika Danda, and Naya Shirsat. The Red Devils won the West Suburban Silver, regionals and sectionals last season.
“We bring back four of our top six from last season,” Hinsdale Central coach Nick Latorre said. “We hope to continue competing at our highest possible level as the season progresses and be playing our best golf in late September into October.”
Glenbard West seniors Ellie Magas, Gigi Battisto, and Clara Heller are joined by juniors Brooke Klamrzynski and Emerson Slowinski.
“Ellie, Brooke, Emerson, and Gigi have been a consistent and solid core for us the last few years,” Glenbard West coach Mary McGrane said.
Downers Grove North seniors Riley Prince and Paige Presern and junior Caitlin Sandridge are a talented trio on a team with several new faces.
“We lost five of our top eight starters from last year’s State team,” Downers Grove North coach Matthew Dillard said. “We have some girls that seem ready to step up and perform. Between our top three returners and four girls coming from the JV that have been improving quickly, I think we have a chance to make it downstate.”
Metea Valley sophomore Maya Shah is a player with a tremendous upside following a strong freshman season. Junior Oyuhai Sereenen, senior Ashley Jenner and sophomore Lauren Shook are the top returnees from a team that won the conference title for the first time in program history.
“With Maya leading our team again, as well as having a good mix of returnees and young players, we are confident going into this season,” Metea Valley coach Brad Lange said.
St. Francis senior Hannah Grivetti, a four-year varsity starter, is primed to provide strong leadership and consistency, said coach Jim Knasel. Senior Addison Morreale also is a veteran and junior Mari Joe Collie is slated to be a valuable contributor.
“We return three solid starters from last year’s team, which gives us a strong foundation heading into the season,” Knasel said. “Our biggest challenge will be finding a fourth player who can consistently contribute in our lineup.”
Westmont sophomore Patch Provenzale and seniors Zachary Cunningham and Jon Egan are golfers to watch for this season, according to coach Frank Cyrus.
Wheaton North junior Ariana Savenok, senior Ella Nicholson, senior Caroline Bax, junior Claire Dey and sophomore Caylee Dodge comprise a talented and experienced group. Rosary is coming off a strong 2025 season in which several golfers set a new standard for the program. Junior Lexie Henry, senior Isabella Kurkjian and senior Lyla Franchesini are among the top golfers.
“We are hopeful to make a strong run in the postseason this year, both as a team and individually,” Rosary coach Lauren Hoss said. “Lexie and Lyla will be great leaders this season, showing how their dedication to practice and maintaining a positive mindset on the course will be essential to success.”
Aurora Central Catholic senior Nora Schwartz and freshman Amelia Vagnoni make up the team. Schwartz is looking to take her game up another notch after becoming the program’s first regional champion and ending in 29th place in the state tournament last season.
“Nora looks to become the first golfer in ACC history to go downstate three times,” ACC coach Mark Schwartz said. “She has great composure, power off the tee boxes and a really good short game.”
The South Elgin Co-op team has several returnees, paced by Lexi Albertson and Abby Wolf slated to make a significant impact this season.