Pella Girls Golf Team Brings Back Varsity Experience

Despite key graduations, the Dutch aim for another state tournament appearance.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:00pm

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Pella's girls golf team made its first state tournament appearance in nearly a decade last May, and the Dutch are hopeful several key returners could make for another special spring. Head Coach Joe Tangen says the team will miss the contributions of state individual medalist Karsyn Lyons and Emerson Lee, but a large contingent of girls with varsity experience and a handful of talented newcomers could make for another fun, competitive season.

Why it matters

The Pella girls golf team's return to the state tournament last year was a significant milestone for the program, and their ability to sustain that success despite key losses to graduation will be an important test of the team's depth and development.

The details

Key returners for Pella include Harper Phillips (47.29 combined adjusted average in 2025), Moriah Reynolds (50.23 CAVG in 2025), Izzy Branderhorst (50.66 CAVG in 2025), Carlyn Henry (50.73 CAVG in 2025), Payton Roose (52.28 CAVG in 2025), and Mackenzie Johnston (53.69 CAVG in 2025). The team opens the season on April 2nd at Lynnville-Sully.

  • Pella's girls golf team made its first state tournament appearance in nearly a decade last May.
  • The team opens the season on April 2nd at Lynnville-Sully.

The players

Joe Tangen

Pella's girls golf team head coach.

Karsyn Lyons

A state individual medalist who graduated from the team.

Emerson Lee

A player who had several season-best scores for the team last spring before graduating.

Harper Phillips

A sophomore returning player with a 47.29 combined adjusted average in 2025.

Moriah Reynolds

A senior returning player with a 50.23 CAVG in 2025.

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What’s next

The Pella girls golf team opens the season on April 2nd at Lynnville-Sully. Hear a season preview with Coach Tangen this Saturday during the Hy-Vee Radio Coaches Corner at 9 a.m. on 92.1 KRLS.

The takeaway

Pella's girls golf team is poised for another strong season, with several key returners from last year's state tournament squad. While they'll miss the contributions of some top graduates, the Dutch have the varsity experience and young talent to potentially make another deep postseason run.