BRASELTON, Ga. – After teeing off for four days at the Chateau de Elan Resort in Braselton, Ga, Daytona State College claimed its ninth title in 13 seasons at the NJCAA Women’s Golf National Championships.
Under the direction of Head Coach Laura Brown, the Falcons scored 1191 over four rounds to finish 55 over par, besting their closest competition by 14 strokes.
It is this kind of championship pedigree that conjures up thoughts of America's greatest championship sports teams -- college and pro. Dynasties such as the UCLA men's basketball, the University of Connecticut Women's basketball, the New York Yankees, Montreal Canadiens and on and on. And nobody is happier about the DSC women's golf championship than the president of the college.
“This is a tremendous win for Coach Brown and her team,” DSC President Thomas LoBasso said. “Our women’s golf program has become a dominant force in the NJCAA on and off the course. We’re very proud to add another national championship to the program’s credentials as well as another year of success in the classroom.”
It is this kind of championship pedigree that conjures up thoughts of America's greatest championship sports teams -- college and pro. Dynasties such as the UCLA men's basketball, the University of Connecticut Women's basketball, the New York Yankees, Montreal Canadiens and on and on.
And nobody is happier about the DSC women's golf championship than the president of the college.
“This is a tremendous win for Coach Brown and her team,” DSC President Thomas LoBasso said.
“Our women’s golf program has become a dominant force in the NJCAA on and off the course. We’re very proud to add another national championship to the program’s credentials as well as another year of success in the classroom.”
How they won yet again
Freshmen Grace St-Germain (Ontario, Canada) and Jiwon Jeon (South Korea) led the Falcons, posting the team’s lowest scores at 295 (+11) each to finish in a tie for third place overall. St-Germain recorded the lowest round of the entire tournament on Wednesday, posting four birdies to finish at 68 (-3).
Freshman Kendall Johnson (Plant City, Florida) and sophomore Kaye Kwon (South Korea) also finished in the top ten. Both Falcons shot 75 in the final round, leaving Johnson tied for sixth at 299 (+15) and Kwon tied for eighth at 302 (+18). Sophomore Katie Veale (Orlando, Florida) rounded out the Falcons’ five-person competition team in a tie for 32nd place with a 329 (+45).
Outside of the team challenge, sophomore Cam Becker (Orlando, Fla.) excelled as an individual in the competition, finishing in 45th place overall with a score of 331 (+47).
Becker and Kaye are both transferring on to the University of North Florida in the fall. St-Germaine, Johnson and Jeon will all return for their sophomore seasons at Daytona State, after which St-Germain has committed to the University of Arkansas and Jeon will head to the University of Alabama in the fall of 2018.
Brown said what really impressed her this week and throughout the year was that the top four golfers were so consistent.
“Even if they had a bad round they posted a decent number that kept us a little better than the other team. It was a grueling four days, the course was tough, it was hot and the pace was slow, but they stayed really focused and got the job done," Brown said.
"We are excited to be national champions.”
DSC women's golf coach Laura Brown said what really impressed her this week and throughout the year was how the top four golfers were so consistent.
“Even if they had a bad round they posted a decent number that kept us a little better than the other team. It was a grueling four days, the course was tough, it was hot and the pace was slow, but they stayed really focused and got the job done," Brown said.
"We are excited to be national champions.”
Will Dunne, Daytona State’s athletics director, believes much of the team’s success can be attributed to Coach Brown, a former LPGA tour card holder and New Smyrna Beach native.
Over her 19 seasons at Daytona State, Brown has coached 72 All-Americans, six NJCAA Individual National Champions and one future Olympian.
“Coach Brown is a great leader, as she’s proven yet again this year by coaching such great performances from her team,” Dunne, said.
He added, “All of our Lady Falcons put in a great effort. We’re looking forward to our returning sophomores coming back this fall so we can continue the high level of competition this program is known for.”
Will Dunne, Daytona State’s athletics director, believes much of the team’s success can be attributed to Coach Brown, a former LPGA tour card holder and New Smyrna Beach native.
Over her 19 seasons at Daytona State, Brown has coached 72 All-Americans, six NJCAA Individual National Champions and one future Olympian.
“Coach Brown is a great leader, as she’s proven yet again this year by coaching such great performances from her team,” Dunne said.
He added, “All of our Lady Falcons put in a great effort. We’re looking forward to our returning sophomores coming back this fall so we can continue the high level of competition this program is known for.”
DSC women's golf players excel in classroom, too
In addition to their successes on the course, the Falcon women’s golf team also excels in the classroom. Over the last 10 years, Daytona State has earned six FCSAA Female Academic Team of the Year awards and four NJCAA National Academic Team of the Year awards.
Although grades are still out for the spring semester, the Falcons are on track for a repeat of both academic titles this year after putting up a 3.94 team GPA in the fall of 2016, which was their best to date.
FAST FACTS: DSC athletic achievement on and off field of play
DID YOU KNOW?
The Daytona State women's gold team has a rich winning tradition with nine championships in 13 seasons, making it a dynasty. Consider other dynasties in team sports, college and pro: