Girls golf season preview: Stevenson, Hinsdale Central among those trying to dethrone Glenbrook North

The IHSA girls season has several area teams vying for a state championship.

In the two-class system, Glenbrook North won the Class 2A state title and Stevenson finished in second place last season. Mt. Carmel claimed the 1A state championship.

Stevenson, who held a 1-stroke lead over Glenbrook North through 10 holes on the final round at state last year, finished second for the fourth time in the last five years, five shots back of Glenbrook North’s 604. The Patriots only had one senior on that team, Sophia Joeng, who tied for 32nd at state.

Stevenson’s Nanette Song placed 14th at state last year, Ava Alimissis was 15th, Victoria Shao 24th and Campbell Ray 36th.

Hinsdale Central is one of the top teams in the state and motivated to make a run at the state title this season. Top returnees include Sara Han, Amelia Gambla, Anika Danda and Naya Shirsat. The Red Devils won the West Suburban Silver Conference, 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.”

Hersey is aiming for another run at winning its division in the MSL, and placing fourth in the conference tournament and at regionals last season. Cici Steiner, a senior with three years of varsity experience, joins Emily Barrett, also a three-year veteran, and sophomores Serena Joseph and Luciana Pesoli.

“We have a solid group of returning golfers along with a good incoming group,” Hersey coach Katie Fontanetta said. “I’m excited to see what this season has in store for us.”

Rolling Meadows’ top returnees include Brooke Albu, Hana Escobedo, Scartlett Swanberg and Sloane Lyall.

Fremd senior Alia Brazeau, a 2025 Class 2A all-state selection after finishing in seventh place, is joined by senior Cara Spahic, junior Kathy Lee, senior Grayson Pai and junior Kaitlyn Cheong.

“We bring back five of our top six from last season, so we’re excited about the experience and leadership returning to the lineup,” Fremd coach Jeremey Malinowski said. “Alia had an outstanding season last year. We expect her to continue setting the tone for our team … We have a strong core of veteran players, along with some talented newcomers who are eager to prove themselves.”

Palatine is one of the most experienced teams in the area, paced by nine returning players, including four seniors. Grace Abhalter, Madison Brand, Samantha Frost, Katie May, Keira McPartlin, Lily Novak, Annie O’Keefe, Eesha Pradhan and Elyssa Zittman are all back.

“We are expecting great leadership from our seniors this year,” Palatine coach Matthew Vosburgh said. “All of the girls had a great summer and are looking to continue to improve throughout the season.”

Buffalo Grove senior Abbey Foster, a two-time all-conference player and three-time sectional qualifier, is aiming for a big final season. Senior Kaitlyn Bauman is a two-time sectional qualifier.

“We are going to lean heavily on Abbey and Kaitlyn as we move throughout the year,” Buffalo Grove coach Jeff Grybash said. “We’re looking forward to watching our girls grow as players over the course of the fall.”

Schaumburg junior Megan Akers qualified for sectionals last season and is a player with a high upside, according to coach Michelle Hinojosa. Senior Aleks Olszanecka and sophomores Hailey Griffin and Izzy Tomchuk are also returning varsity players.

Conant junior Madeline Gutierrez is looking to follow up on the success of her first two seasons, especially after earning first place in the Illinois Women’s Open this summer. Juniors Tara O’Mahoney, Kate Clark and Santina Papucci are all back.

“We are very excited for this upcoming season as our top four golfers are starting to come into their own,” Conant coach Megan Hebert said. “Led by Madeline, we are looking to make some waves as a team this year.”

Fenton senior Alita Thach, the program’s first sectional qualifier in over 10 years, according to coach Cameron Kopp, is the primary leader.

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.

Warren lost half of its squad from last season, but Ella Chand, Annika Tendick, Emily Deutsch and Claire Cummings are back to lead the team.

“Many of our returning players have worked hard to elevate their game in the offseason,” Warren coach Leigh Ann Mondrawickas-Boncher said.

Grayslake North sectional qualifier Grace Salas is the headline returnee on an experienced team, according to coach Scott Ewen.

“We return almost our entire varsity team from last year,” Ewen said. “We hope to be competitive in the NLCC.”

Wauconda senior McKenna Powers, a three-year varsity member, has the most experience, but Sophie Mantell and juniors Georgia Reimers, Cierra Giacomino and Addison Hill are top returnees.