Sadie Chlapowski – In Motion Special
Since its inception in Scotland in 1457, golf has been known as a sport for men. An old proverb claims that the word golf is an acronym for “Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden,”
But over the past decade that has not only been ridiculed, it been elegantly disproven as well. Women’s golf is now a big commodity in the United States and all around the globe, with the women’s pre-eminent professional golf event, the LPGA Tour, hosting prestigious traveling tournaments, creating stars and millionaires out of female golfers.
Before you look at the LPGA superstars and all their success, first glance back at where it began. There is one dream that many little girls who golf share and that is playing in college. Today, many are reaching that dream.
Asked to name some of the top sports schools, universities like Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and the University of California, Los Angeles, come to mind for many. Not many people would think of a small college like Daytona State, but this began to chance almost a year ago when Women’s golf Coach Laura Brown signed on at the school, leading her teams to national titles and ensuring students maintain high academic standards.
Since her hiring and the team’s creation in 1998, the Daytona State College Women’s Golf team has been a powerhouse. Last year the team ended the 2017-2018 season with a win, celebrating their 10th National Championship Title in 20 seasons. Brown is a not only a top-notch head coach, she earns high marks from students and colleagues as a recruiter, instructor and role model, both on the golf course and in the classroom.
“It’s rather impressive and it all goes back to Coach Brown,” says Austin Dreher, a sophomore on the Daytona State Baseball Team, who has been around the team for the past three years. “It is not easy to be both national golf champions and academic award recipients year after year.”
Sophomore Brandon Stone, another member of the baseball team adds, “When you face a lot of competitors our golf team is going to compete, whether it is in the classroom or on the links.”
The success of the team is celebrated by many, including other Daytona State sports teams, and the athletic staff, and not just because of its National Championships. While the Lady Falcons compete in both fall and spring tournaments, and travel to NCAA Division One events, Coach Brown has a long track record of helping players transfer to Division One universities, including all of which were mentioned earlier. And the list is only growing.
The pride of the school and faculty is obvious, but Lady Falcons have a large, extended support group too.
Lonnie Thompson, the Director of Equity and Inclusion and Director of Title IX at Daytona State College, is a big fan and attends several tournaments to watch and support players each season.
Thomson says, “It is a great joy to see the program succeed. I am very happy for the success of the players, and proud to see the team succeed as it has.”
The Lady Falcons began their Spring season in Fernandina Beach in February, but the National Championship prep is in full swing.
Hollie Muse, who is a current Golf Team member says, “We are excited for the Spring season. We have a great group of players and we are practicing and getting ready for Nationals. I believe that if we keep working hard, we will be prepared for whatever comes our way.”