Chapman girls golf is expanding with the addition of its first-ever junior varsity team for the fall 2025 season.

In previous years, there was only a varsity team with just enough girls to keep the program going.

This year, 13 girls are on the roster, creating the opportunity to add a JV schedule.

“The big positive is that it’s giving our girls that may not qualify for varsity matches an opportunity to play and get experience on the golf course,” head coach Andy Pitt said. “It’s another opportunity to get better.”

With only five returners, and with this being Pitt’s third year coaching the team, JV marks a big step toward a stronger future.

Although the JV schedule includes only four events, it provides a good starting point for younger players.

Freshman Mattalyn Smith, who is new to golf, said she joined the team because she wanted to try something different.

“I’m excited to grow, get better at the sport and get experience on the golf team from a young level,” Smith said.

Senior Maddie Strawbridge began playing her freshman year when JV was not an option. She started her career competing with varsity.

“I wish there was a JV team when I started because I started on the bottom,” Strawbridge said. “I didn’t really have a good starting point in my career.”

With JV, players now have more chances to develop at their own level.

“Most of the teams that are successful in our state have JV programs, so it gives younger girls an opportunity to participate and play,” Pitt said. “Ultimately, where we want to be is at a state championship level.”