After an undefeated run through the Chagrin Valley Conference and a team trip to districts in 2024, the Orange girls’ golf team enters the 2025 season with high expectations and a loaded roster.
In his fifth year at the helm, Cody Kovach returns five starters and five additional letterwinners from a squad that finished 14-2 overall and 12-0 in league play.
“I see our team potential of having a team that can make the state tournament and an individual who can win the state tournament,” Kovach said. “We have to take it one shot at a time and keep improving each day.”
The Lions are led by junior Anuja Patel, who won the district tournament last fall with a stellar round of 70 and went on to place eighth at the OHSAA state tournament. She earned All-Ohio honors for her performance.
“Anuja has been playing all summer in big tournaments and going into the season confident and ready to play each shot to the best of her ability,” Kovach said.
Seniors Alex O’Connor, Bree Turner, and Sophie Lang also return.
O’Connor and Turner were part of the district-qualifying team, and both bring experience and a competitive drive to the lineup.
“Alex has a great feel for the game and is constantly getting better,” Kovach said. “She’s excited to go out there and compete. Bree stays composed and loves to compete. She will be out there to have fun and hopefully put up some good scores.”
Lang’s development over the offseason could be a difference-maker for Orange this year.
“Sophie’s game has improved significantly,” Kovach said. “She will be a huge part of the team this year.”
Juniors Kenley Lewis also competed at districts last season and has taken a step forward in her game.
“Her game has also improved,” Kovach said. “She is such an athlete who is coachable. She will be a big part of this team.”
Freshman Sophie Heiser enters her first varsity season with plenty of experience and potential to contribute right away.
“Sophie is an incoming freshman with some great experience,” Kovach said. “She’s excited to compete.”
Kovach also expects contributions from Alexis Occhinero, Charlotte Niazov, and Mane Sargsyan as they compete for the sixth spot in the varsity lineup.
With a strong returning core and a mix of rising talent, Orange is poised for another successful run in 2025—and perhaps even more.
“We’re excited for the season,” Kovach said. “This group has the potential to do something special.”
