After finishing 12-7 overall and 2-4 in the CVC Valley a season ago, the Rootstown Girls Golf team enters the 2026 girls golf season with a much different look.
The Rovers graduated a strong senior class and return just one starter and two additional letterwinners, leaving head coach Matt Just with one of the youngest and least experienced rosters in his five seasons at the helm. While experience may be limited, enthusiasm certainly is not.
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“We are very raw this season,” Just said. “We have only two girls coming back with any competitive golf experience. With four new ladies on the roster, I am excited to see how we can progress throughout the season.”
Leading the way is junior Morgan Giebel, who steps into the No. 1 position after spending much of last season competing as Rootstown’s No. 2 golfer. Giebel posted a 46.0 nine-hole average and a 95.0 18-hole average while placing 10th at the Lady Spartan Invitational at Chenoweth Golf Course.
“Morgan played most of the 2025 season in our No. 2 position as a sophomore and will move up to play our No. 1 position this season,” Just said. “Morgan is our captain and leader, both emotionally and on the course.”
Sophomore Charlie Wilson also returns after averaging 56 strokes over nine holes and 115 over 18 holes. Still relatively new to golf, Wilson is expected to take on a larger role while balancing duties as a member of the Rootstown girls soccer team.
“Charlie is newer to the game, but has a lot of potential and will be counted on as our second returning letterwinner,” Just said.
Another key addition is sophomore Audrey Wohlwend, who missed her entire freshman season because of injury.
“I am excited to see what Audrey can do for us this season, as she was out the entirety of her freshman year,” Just said.
The remainder of the roster will feature newcomers eager to make an immediate impact.
Junior Belle Harris is new both to the program and the sport.
“We are very excited to have her with us,” Just said. “I am looking forward to seeing her develop as the year progresses.”
Junior Arlayah Holden is another first-year golfer joining the program.
“Arlayah is also new to the program, and the game, this season,” Just said. “Very excited for Arlayah as well. I can’t wait to see how she develops.”
Freshman Madison Kline rounds out the roster after showing encouraging signs during offseason workouts.
“Madison is our only freshman and has shown some promise throughout our offseason workouts,” Just said. “Very excited for Madison to show what she can do for us.”
For Rootstown, success won’t necessarily be measured strictly by wins and losses. With such an inexperienced lineup, steady improvement and team chemistry will be the primary goals.
“For this season to be a success, we need each of our young ladies to be dedicated to improving their game and playing for their teammates,” Just said.
Replacing last year’s senior class won’t be easy, but Just believes the foundation is in place for the program’s next chapter.
“It will be very difficult to replace the seniors we lost from the 2025 season, but I am very excited to see what we are capable of doing with all of our new talent.”
