Cougars Ready to Roll for Golf in 2026

“I am excited for the season this year,” Head Coach LaVonne Burgess said. “I think we have a strong team and many of our players will be able to compete in our league. We have both boys and girls who put in extra time during the off-season, and their efforts are showing. I look forward to getting to see their skills on the course soon.”

The Cougars bring experience to the boys lineup, highlighted by a veteran core that has already seen success at the varsity level.

“We have several upperclassmen this year on both of our teams,” Burgess said. “We have five seniors and one junior on the boys this year. Five of these six boys are returning varsity players.”

That experience is complimented by emerging underclassmen, including two sophomores who competed at the varsity level last season, along with additional sophomores, freshmen, and even an eighth grader competing for spots, according to Burgess. 

On the girls side, Chewelah features a balanced mix of returning leaders and developing talent, with high expectations across the lineup.

“Our girls team is split between upperclassmen and underclassmen,” Burgess said. “We have two seniors returning with the plan to make it to state this year and one returning junior with the same ambitions.”

The Cougars also welcome four freshmen, including two with prior experience in the program.

“All of our girls have the potential to be competitive in our league,” Burgess said.

With only six varsity spots available in each match, internal competition is expected to push the team to a higher level.

“Each match, we are only allowed to bring six varsity players,” Burgess said. “I think having more than six who have the skills to compete at the varsity level will bring some competition within the team and ultimately make all of our players better.”

Chewelah will face stiff competition throughout the season, particularly on the boys side.

“Our league always brings strong opponents especially in the boys division,” Burgess said. “I think we will have several boys in the top half of the field this year, hopefully a couple in the top half.”

 Meanwhile, expectations are especially high for the girls team.

“Our girls team should be the team to beat this year with several strong golfers,” Burgess said.