The College of DuPage women's golf team made history at the 2026 NJCAA Division III Golf Championships, capturing the program's first-ever national championship, held June 2–5 in Jamestown, New York, at Chautauqua Golf Club.

Competing as a full team at nationals for the first time in program history, the Chaparrals delivered a dominant performance, finishing 36 strokes ahead of second-place Rock Valley College to secure the national title. DuPage also avenged a loss from the Region IV Championship, finishing ahead of rival Joliet Junior College, which placed third nationally.

"What can I say about this team? I am utterly speechless," head coach Jason Hyatt said. "They mean so much to me and the plan I had for them from the beginning. I put a championship trophy in front of them last August and told them I believed this group could do something special. I couldn't have been more right."

The Chaparrals battled through a season filled with challenges, using difficult moments as fuel for a championship run.

"We battled all season and had some additions this spring, some heartbreaking tournament defeats, but used these as motivation to bring the big one home," Hyatt said. "Our motto this spring was FINISH, and did they deliver."

Leading the charge for DuPage was Isabella Krosse, who earned NJCAA All-American honors with a third-place national finish. Krosse completed the tournament at +40, highlighted by a round-three 79 that stood as her best score of the championship.

Team captain Aubreye Hyatt also secured All-American honors after finishing fifth nationally at +51. Hyatt closed out the tournament with an impressive final-round 81 while providing steady leadership throughout the season.

"Aubreye, the ladies' captain," Hyatt said of his daughter. "Her leadership and ability to keep the team moving forward was the driving force behind this championship team."

Maryssa Zielinski rounded out an outstanding showing for the Chaparrals, placing sixth nationally at +52. Zielinski's best performance came in round one when she carded an 83, helping DuPage establish early momentum.

"What can I say about Izzy and Maryssa?" Hyatt added. "They came in with an attitude and work ethic that can't be taught."

Marie Bedford finished tied for 22nd place, highlighted by a first-round score of 99, while Katelyn Fricano placed 25th overall and opened the tournament with a round of 100.

"Marie and Katelyn brought our numbers up and contributed more than they will ever know," Hyatt said. "This team overall has set the tone for what we want in our golf teams every year and they have shown that hard work does pay off."

Following the historic weekend, Hyatt was named the 2026 NJCAA Division III Coach of the Tournament, adding another accolade to an already decorated career that includes honors from Region IV, the NJCAA Golf Coaches Association, and induction into the College of DuPage Hall of Fame.

"What a historic run it was this past week with both of our golf programs," said COD Athletic Director Ryan Kaiser. "Coach Hyatt continues to cement himself as one of the very best coaches at the community college level. I'm sure winning the women's championship was extra special having his daughter participate and lead the COD golf program."

The championship marks the 53rd national title in College of DuPage Athletics history and caps a historic 2025–26 academic year in which the Chaparrals captured five championships across athletic programs.

Learn more about athletics at College of DuPage.