By The Columbia Chronicle Staff

COLUMBIA, Pa. — Columbia’s own Kayla Hess is once again proving that hometown talent can compete with the best in the country.

The accomplished young disc golfer is currently competing in the 2026 United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship in the Salt Lake City, Utah region, one of the sport’s premier national events. The championship has drawn hundreds of competitors from across the United States and several countries, with competition taking place on challenging mountain courses near Brighton Resort in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains.

For Hess, the trip to Utah is another milestone in an already impressive career. A Columbia native, she has built a reputation as one of the region’s most successful young disc golf players, compiling dozens of tournament victories while competing in more than 100 sanctioned events. Her Professional Disc Golf Association profile lists Columbia as her hometown and shows she is among the competitors participating in this week’s championship.

Many local residents first learned about Hess after her standout performances on the national stage. In 2023, she captured the PDGA Women’s National Championship in the girls’ 15-and-under division, earning recognition as one of the top young players in the country. Local media also highlighted her achievements off the course, noting her involvement in Columbia High School activities, student leadership programs, community service organizations, and academic success.

As her success continued, Hess became one of the faces of the growing disc golf community in Lancaster County. A FOX43 feature described her as a rising star in Central Pennsylvania’s disc golf scene and highlighted her goal of competing at the highest levels of the sport.

This week’s championship presents a unique challenge. According to Utah organizers and local media reports, competitors are playing at elevations approaching 9,000 feet above sea level, where thinner air can dramatically affect how discs fly and perform. The event is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious championships in women’s disc golf.

For Columbia residents, Hess’ appearance on a national championship stage is another reminder that athletes from small communities can achieve big things. What began on local courses has grown into a journey that has taken her across the country, competing against some of the sport’s most talented players.

As the tournament continues in Utah this weekend, Columbia has plenty of reason to cheer for one of its own.

Good luck, Kayla. Columbia is rooting for you.