College Corner: Grand Valley State Univ.

By Logan Taylor

    The Grand Valley State men’s and women’s golf programs enter the 2026-27 season looking to build off successful seasons. Both Laker programs made it to the National Championships a year ago and return the talent to make a run once again. 

    For the women’s team, five golfers who played in 10 or more events return to Allendale, led by All-American Lea Stotz. All-Region selection Charlotte Goersch is also back, alongside GLIAC Freshman of the Year June Hsiao and all-conference honorees Evelyn Park and Heida Rafnsdottir. Those five combined for 23 top 10 finishes and two tournament victories. 

     As a team, the Lady Lakers claimed four event wins and six additional runner-up finishes. Grand Valley State advanced to the NCAA National Championships for the 10th straight season, where they tied for 9th place. 

    The Grand Valley State men’s golf team is coming off one of their best seasons in program history. The Lakers won their second-ever regional title to go along with a GLIAC championship, and five additional regular season victories. Throughout the season, GVSU set new program low scoring rounds for 18 holes (264), 36 holes (539), and 54 holes (813). 

    Four seniors graduated for the Lakers following the 2025-26 season, but GLIAC Coach of the Year Gareth Lappin has plenty of talent to keep the Lakers among the best in the country. First-Team All-GLIAC performers Ryan Gallagher and Maverick Conaway are back, along with rising sophomores Finley Dober and Emil Olofsson. Five newcomers will join the roster this fall.

    The men open their season at the Folds of Honor Collegiate at American Dunes Golf Course in Grand Haven on Sept. 7. The Laker women will start on Sept. 8, playing in the U-Indy Fall Invitational.