WINONA LAKE, Ind. - With the start to the 2024-25 campaign around the corner, Grace College’s women’s golf team is looking for consistency to fuel a special season.
This year will mark the 10th year for Grace’s women’s golf program, and head coach Denny Duncan believes this could be one of the most historic seasons yet.
“I am really excited about this year,” said Duncan. “This is one of the deeper teams that I have coached with the mixture of returning starters and very talented incoming freshmen. Our talent was obvious last year, but we struggled to put multiple solid rounds together. This team has the talent and leadership to make this a special season.”
The Lancers will return four starters from last year including senior captains Grace May and Sydney Cesare. Grace also welcomes a group of highly touted freshmen who are expected to challenge for a spot in the top five.
“The leadership of Grace and Sydney will be vital this year with so many young players,” Duncan noted. “I also expect Raigan King to play a key leadership role. She has been our most improved player over the past two years and possesses a unique ability to support and encourage her teammates.”
Brette Hanavan returns for Grace, who along with May were the Lancers’ top-two scorers from a year ago. The duo combined for seven top-two finishes between them last season.
Grace Beerman is the final returning starter for Grace after bursting onto the scene in her freshman year. Other returning players included Reagan Clifton and Leah Starcher.
New faces to the Lancers this season are Trinity Bramer, Camille Short and Kiley Standring.
“All three of the freshmen come from extremely successful high school programs and are used to competing for championships at the highest level,” commented Duncan. “I expect all three to compete for a starting position right away.”
In celebration of the women's golf program’s 10th-year anniversary, Grace is planning a 10-year reunion during Homecoming weekend.
“We are inviting all of our former players to a special event at Homecoming to celebrate their legacy; it will be a great time to thank and recognize the many individuals who have done so much to support the team,” Duncan said.
The Lancers will be looking to qualify for their seventh consecutive NCCAA National Tournament and their first NAIA appearance, but Duncan emphasized that he wants his team to reflect Christ their athletic pursuits.
“We have the same goals every year,” Duncan added. “We want to compete for national and conference championships. But even more so, we want to grow in our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ and make an impact in our community for the Lord.”
Grace will kick off the season on Tuesday at the Trine Kick-Off Classic.