WAUKESHA, Wis. – As Carroll University golf enters the 2026-27 season, head coach John Barry sees a program that has reached an important point in its development. Veteran leaders have helped establish a strong culture, younger players are pushing for opportunities, and competition throughout both rosters has created an environment where every spot must be earned.

For Barry, that is exactly where he wants the Pioneers to be.

After showing progress throughout last season, Carroll enters the fall with higher expectations and greater depth than it has enjoyed in recent years. With experienced returners leading the way and talented newcomers ready to challenge for playing time, both the men's and women's programs are focused on continuing their climb within the CCIW.

"We want to keep building off the way we finished last season," Barry said. "There's a lot of excitement around both teams because of the leadership we have returning and the young talent we've added."

That internal competition is especially apparent on the men's side, where a larger roster has created a legitimate battle for lineup spots. Instead of knowing who will represent Carroll before the season begins, players will have to earn their opportunities through consistent performances. Barry believes that competition will elevate the entire program while helping prepare both teams for the challenges that await throughout the year.

One of the biggest lessons carried over from last season came from the commitment players made during the offseason. Barry saw firsthand how extra work during the winter translated into better performances during the spring campaign. Players took advantage of indoor practice opportunities, arrived prepared, and demonstrated a clear desire to improve.

"The players who put in the work showed up ready to compete and improve," Barry said. "That commitment has to continue year-round."

That dedication has helped strengthen a culture that has steadily evolved over the last several seasons. While Carroll has consistently featured supportive teams that celebrate each other's success, Barry has watched more players embrace leadership responsibilities and take ownership of the program's direction.

Senior standouts Grant Naumann and Tessa Lawson have helped set that standard. Both have been impact contributors throughout their Carroll careers and now play an important role in mentoring younger teammates as they adjust to collegiate golf. From navigating more challenging courses to balancing academics and athletics, experienced players have become valuable resources for the next generation of Pioneers.

"The seniors have been impact players since they arrived," Barry said. "It's been rewarding to watch how much they've grown and how willing they are to invest in the younger players."

That leadership extends beyond the senior class. On the men's side, junior Carter Morrison has emerged as one of the program's most dedicated competitors. A starter since his first season, Morrison continues to refine his game through high-level tournament experience, including USGA events and his work caddying at Sand Valley. Fellow returners Tyler Hoffman and Jonah Keck also gained valuable experience during strong freshman campaigns and enter the new season with a greater understanding of what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level. Several newcomers are expected to challenge for immediate opportunities as well. Preston Powell arrives from Reedsburg, while Charlie Wu joins the Pioneers from Thailand after training extensively with coaches throughout North America. Along with freshmen Alec and Jack, the men's team welcomes a class that brings both experience and potential.

On the women's side, Barry believes Lynea Sekany is poised for a breakthrough season. After posting several strong finishes and spending her summer competing and developing her game, Sekany is expected to play a major role alongside Lawson and Scarlett as the Pioneers pursue improved results throughout the year. Barry is also excited about the impact of a talented freshman class that includes Chloe Didreckson, Holly Bonesteel, and Hailee Lindow. Each brings strong high school experience and additional depth to a roster that continues to expand.

While the talent level has increased throughout both programs, Barry believes consistency will ultimately determine how far the Pioneers can go. For the women's team, that means limiting costly mistakes and avoiding the snowball effect that can develop after a difficult hole. The goal is to remain mentally sharp, respond quickly to adversity, and maintain focus throughout entire rounds and multi-day tournaments.

"We talk a lot about not compounding mistakes," Barry said. "You have to be able to bounce back and stay focused from start to finish."

The men's squad, meanwhile, will place a major emphasis on course management. While distance off the tee has become increasingly important in today's game, Barry wants his players to understand when to be aggressive and when to play conservatively. Smart decision-making, strategic shot selection, and continued improvement around the greens will all be important factors in the team's success.

Experience should help both teams accomplish those goals. Many of Carroll's returning golfers have competed at the same tournaments and on the same courses several times throughout their careers. That familiarity creates an advantage when it comes to understanding conditions, managing risk, and making smarter decisions throughout a round. Those lessons will be put to the test immediately when the season begins.

The men's team opens at Edgewood's tournament at Glen Erin Golf Club, a course that features two distinctly different nines and annually attracts quality competition from across the CCIW, WIAC, and NACC. Additional events hosted by Carthage and UW-Stout will provide strong early-season measuring sticks.

The women's team begins its campaign at Augustana's tournament at Highland Springs, a venue Carroll has become familiar with over the years. Barry expects another competitive field and believes the tournament will provide an early indication of how his squad stacks up against some of the region's best programs.

As the season progresses, attention will eventually shift toward the Midwest Region Classic and the CCIW Championships, where both teams hope to position themselves among the conference's top competitors.

Beyond scores and team finishes, Barry believes success will be measured by the depth and competitiveness of each roster. On the women's side, he hopes to see every player consistently competing for tournament opportunities and pushing teammates to improve. For the men, the fall season will provide a valuable evaluation period as players battle for positions heading into the spring championship segment.

If Carroll reaches its full potential by the end of the year, Barry believes both programs can take meaningful steps forward within the conference standings. The women return a strong core capable of helping the Pioneers finish in the top half of the league, while the men are focused on producing more consistent scores, building off strong stretches from a season ago, and using last year's disappointing finish as motivation.

Most importantly, Barry hopes the culture that has become a hallmark of Carroll Golf continues to flourish. By season's end, he believes people outside the program will recognize not only the talent on the roster, but also the leadership that drives it.

"The way our older players pass things down to the next group is really important," Barry said. "They've experienced the ups and downs, learned what works, and help the younger players do the same. If we continue to build on that, I think we'll surprise some people."

With experienced leaders setting the tone, talented newcomers pushing for opportunities, and competition throughout both rosters at one of its highest levels in recent years, Carroll enters the 2026-27 season ready to continue its ascent.