They may be young, but they came to compete.
Six of the seven Cavaliers entered this inaugural season as true freshman with no collegiate experience, but they have achieved reasonable success in their first season. In the "GolfWeek" national rankings for March 28, the Cavaliers were ranked No. 49 of the 221 Division I women's programs. In the East region, they were ranked No. 17 out of 110 schools. Virginia's strong showing has come against a tough schedule full of established golf programs.
"They are certainly a very mature bunch, which has been very helpful," Virginia coach Jan Mann said. "I'm not surprised that we have seen the success we've had this season, but they are doing extremely well for a first year program."
Experience usually comes with age, but the young members of Virginia's team had already accomplished considerable achievements in the sport prior to commencing their college careers. Both freshmen Lindsay Robinson and Sally Shonk were 2002 AJGA Scholastic All-Americans, and all of the women came in with a considerable amount of tournament experience as junior players.
"Coming in to the season, all of our players were in high standings at their high school level of competition," team captain Michele Graham said. "It could have been really difficult, but our team handled it really well."
The strength of this maturing team can be attributed to teamwork. All of the Cavaliers have contributed to tournament victories; consequently, pressure has not been placed on any one of the rookies to carry the team.
"They have bonded so well as a team, and they support each other," Mann said. "I think that just as the season has progressed they have gained more and more confidence. All the hard work they put in the year is helping them."
To prepare for college-level competition, the team has worked hard on their short game, from 100 yards in. They also have concentrated on keeping a positive attitude and maintaining confidence in the middle game.
One player, however, was no stranger to Virginia's campus at the beginning of the year. Graham received her bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Virginia in 2003. She currently is enrolled in graduate school for exercise physiology and will pursue a career in sports medicine. As the lone upperclassman, her teammates elected her the first ever team captain.
Graham also is extensively involved in community service through Madison House and Habitat for Humanity. Besides bringing experience to the green, Mann said Graham's work ethic has set a great example for the rest of the team.
One advantage of playing for Virginia in its first season is getting to set the school's first records. Freshman Leah Wigger discovered this when she recorded the very first hole-in-one in Virginia history. She used an 8-iron for a 154-yard shot on a par 3 at the Lady Gator Invitational March 9.
Regardless of age, one thing is clear: these women are all overachievers. Five of the seven Cavaliers captained their high school teams their senior year. All seven players received academic recognition in high school, and five of them were members of the National Honors Society.
"Part of the reason we have seen the success we've had is because they are very hard workers in the classroom and on the golf course," Mann said.
The women also are involved in a variety of outside interests. Twins, Ashley and Kira Mayo, not only play golf for Virginia together, but they also fly together. They currently are working on earning their pilots' licenses.
When it comes to Virginia's first women's golf team, T.J. would be proud. These women strive for excellence not only in athletics, but also in academics and outside activities.
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