KOKOMO, Ind. – The Indiana University Kokomo women's golf program has announced its 2026 recruiting class, a group that features three incoming student-athletes who will join the Cougars this fall.
The Cougar women's golf program continues to build momentum under head coach
Brandi Jones, who enters her fourth season at the helm after taking over her alma mater. One of the most decorated student-athletes in IU Kokomo Athletics history, Jones has continued to elevate the program while bringing in student-athletes who embody the culture and values of Cougar golf.
The 2026 recruiting class features an individual sectional champion, multiple regional champions and qualifiers, and a collection of student-athletes who have excelled both on the golf course and in the classroom.
Head coach
Brandi Jones is excited to welcome another talented group of student-athletes to the Cougar women's golf family.
2026 Recruiting Class:
Madison Chenoweth | LaFontaine, IN | Southwood HS
Madison Chenoweth is set to join the IU Kokomo women's golf program this fall after recently graduating from Southwood High School. A four-year varsity golfer, Chenoweth established herself as one of the top players in the Three Rivers Conference throughout her prep career. She earned Team MVP honors from 2023-25, helped lead Southwood to a sectional championship in 2023, and captured the individual sectional championship in 2025. Chenoweth also received All-Conference honors in both 2024 and 2025 while finishing among the top 10 individually at the Three Rivers Conference Championships in each season from 2023-25. Off the course, she was a member of the National Technical Honor Society.
Chenoweth plans on majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Art at IU Kokomo.
Kinleigh Root | Bedford, IN | Bedford North Lawrence HS
Kinleigh Root is set to join the IU Kokomo women's golf program this fall after recently graduating from Bedford North Lawrence High School. A six-time varsity letter winner, Root enjoyed an outstanding prep career on the golf course, qualifying as a state finalist all four years while earning Team MVP honors during each of the last three seasons. She captured regional championships twice and claimed the 2026 sectional championship, establishing herself as one of the premier golfers in southern Indiana. Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Root was a Distinguished Young Woman State Finalist, ranked among the top 10 students in her graduating class, served as captain of the Student-Athlete Leadership Team, was a member of the National Honor Society, and earned Honor Roll recognition all four years.
Root plans on majoring in Business Management at IU Kokomo.
Alisha Toops | Walton, IN | Lewis Cass HS
Alisha Toops is set to join the IU Kokomo women's golf program this fall after recently graduating from Lewis Cass High School. A multi-sport athlete, Toops competed in varsity softball for three seasons while also playing four years of varsity golf. During her prep career, she earned All-Conference honors on the golf course while qualifying for the regional tournament twice. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Toops earned her Chapter Degree through the National FFA Organization, demonstrating her commitment to leadership and academic success.
Toops plans on majoring in Business Management at IU Kokomo.
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