After a season that featured plenty of hardware, the Sandburg women’s golf team tees it up for the first time in 2025-26 this weekend.
The Chargers host the Sandburg Invite at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lake Bracken as they start their quest for a second straight trip to the NJCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship.
Sandburg finished 13th at nationals last season, which marked their third appearance overall in the event (2019 and 2023 were the others). The Chargers earned their way into the field by placing second at the Central District Championship. They also won the program’s second Region 4 title, which was held concurrently with the district tourney.
Sandburg’s fall schedule includes five events. The Chargers’ district championship, which serves as their national qualifier, will take place in April during the spring portion of their season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Abigail Strode, sophomore (Pekin, Ill./Pekin)
- The Chargers’ lone returner finished fourth in the Region 4 Championship last season, earning a spot on the all-region team.
- Chargers coach Gail Hannam: “I know Abigail will be a great team leader. Also, the experience she gained last year, especially at nationals, will help her game move forward.
Jessica Schultz, freshman (Toluca, Ill./Fieldcrest)
- Placed 30th at the IHSA Class 1A state tournament last fall.
- Named 2024 Ottawa Times Girls Golfer of the Year.
- Hannam: “She’s been submitting some very good scores this summer, and I look forward to what she can do at this level.”
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SEASON?
Hannam: “I’m very excited about this team. Even though we will be young, the incoming freshmen have a lot of competitive experience. I look for us to be able to match last year’s team scores by the end of the fall season.”
TOURNAMENT TO WATCH
New to the Chargers’ fall schedule is the Clash at the Creek on Sept. 23 at Nettle Creek in Morris. Hannam said it should give Sandburg an idea of how it stacks up against the rest of the schools in Region 4.
THIS WILL BE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF …
Hannam: “This season will be a success if we can show good growth this fall, work on our deficiencies during the winter and compete for another national tournament run.”
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***Courtesy of Carl Sandburg College***
