FRISCO, Texas (June 19, 2026) – The Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) has announced Ashley Stevenson of Jacksonville State University and Leia Chung of Boise State University as the 2025-2026 Division I Kim Moore Spirit Award recipients.

This award is dedicated to Kim Moore, who played golf for the University of Indianapolis (1999-2003). Kim was an inspiration to all as she persevered through many physical challenges while playing collegiate golf. She has continued to leave her mark on the game, winning the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open in 2022. Her positive outlook and dedication are only out done by her sense of humor and passion for the game.

The purpose of the award is to recognize and honor a student-athlete or coach who exemplifies a great spirit toward the game of golf, a positive attitude on and off the golf course, a role model for her team and mental toughness in facing challenges. The annual award is presented separately to recipients in Division I, II, and III.

Co-Recipient of 2025-2026 Kim Moore Spirit Award

Ashley Stevenson, Jacksonville State University

Ashley Stevenson Spotlight Video

Following her freshman year, Ashley was diagnosed with parosteal osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. She remained home in France during the 2024-25 season while undergoing chemotherapy and surgery. In May 2025, she was declared cancer-free.

Ashley returned to Jacksonville State in August 2025 and continued her rehabilitation while preparing for a return to competition. After receiving medical clearance, she returned to the lineup during the spring of 2026.

"From the day Ashley told me she had cancer, she was determined to beat it and return to our team," said Coach Robbie Fields. "Although she wasn't physically with us during the 2024-25 season, she remained an important part of our program through her constant encouragement, good-luck messages, and FaceTime calls with teammates."

Co-Recipient of 2025-2026 Kim Moore Spirit Award

Leia Chung, Boise State University

Leia Chung Spotlight Video

During the spring of her sophomore season in 2024, Leia began experiencing persistent back pain. Further evaluation revealed an injury that required surgery and an extended period away from the game. For someone with a deep passion for golf, the diagnosis was devastating, but Leia remained committed to her recovery and eventual return to competition.

Just 11 months after surgery, Leia's return was nothing short of remarkable. She captured the Golfweek Fall Challenge title and added another victory at the New Mexico State event. She also claimed the Mountain West Conference individual championship, helping lead her program to its first conference title since 1993.

"I have never seen someone go through so much adversity with such grace and commitment," said Coach Kailin Downs. "Throughout her recovery, Leia showed up every day ready to support her teammates and do whatever work her body would allow. She did it with a smile on her face, never complained, and remained grateful for every opportunity she had to improve. Her perseverance and positivity have been an inspiration to everyone around her."

See full press release here. 

Amanda Zheng had a standout freshman year playing for the Emory Eagles. She recorded three wins – the Historic Triangle Invitational, Jekyll Island Collegiate at Great Dunes, and the Deb Jackson Invitational. Zheng finished in 7^th place at the NCAA DIII Women’s National Championship in Palm Desert, CA. She ended the season ranked #2 on Clippd, and her adjusted scoring average was 70.4. Amanda secured herself a spot on the All-UAA First Team and claimed the conference’s Rookie of the Year title. Lastly, she was named to the WGCA All-American First Team, WGCA Southeast All-Region Team, and WGCA All-Freshman Team Presented by the AJGA.

See full press release here. 

Coach Dan Rodgers of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has been named the 2025-2026 Division III Jackie Steinmann WGCA National Coach of the Year Presented by Golf Pride. Coach Rodgers has just completed his twelfth season at CMU and has led the Tartans to seven NCAA tournament appearances (sixth straight time) with a National Championship win in 2024. The Tartans secured two wins (NCAA Preview – Stroke Play and Savannah Invitational) and had nine top-three finishes in the 25-26 season. Rodgers led the team to a runner-up finish at the 2026 NCAA DIII Women’s National Championship.

Coach Meredith Mayes of Amherst College has been named the 2025-2026 Division III Golf Pride WGCA Assistant Coach of the Year. Coach Mayes just completed her third season at Amherst and helped lead the Mammoths to a strong 25-26 season. They clinched three wins (George Phinney Golf Classic, Williams Fall Invitational, and 2026 NESAC Women’s Golf Championship) and had five top-three finishes. The Mammoths finished 7^th at the 2026 NCAA DIII Women’s National Championship.

See full press release here. 

Coach Anne Walker led the Stanford Cardinal to a historic 2025-26 season. Stanford was ranked No. 1 throughout the entire season in the Scoreboard powered by Clippd rankings and captured eight team titles, including:

§  Stanford Intercollegiate

§  Nanea Invitational

§  Arizona Thunderbird Intercollegiate

§  Bruin Wave Invitational

§  Charles Schwab Women’s Collegiate Invitational

§  ACC Women’s Golf Championship (Stroke Play and Match Play)

§  NCAA Stanford Regional

§  NCAA Division I Women’s Golf National Championship (Stroke Play and Match Play)

The Cardinal suffered just three losses all season and finished with an adjusted scoring average of 273.9. Stanford’s 2026 National Championship victory marked Walker’s fourth NCAA title in her 14 seasons in Palo Alto, adding to championships won in 2015, 2022, 2024, and 2026. Earlier this year, Walker was also named the 2026 Division I Golf Pride WGCA West  Region Coach of the Year.

Throughout her tenure, Walker has developed some of the most accomplished student-athletes in women’s collegiate golf. Stanford’s 2025-26 roster featured Megha Ganne, the 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion and 2026 Inkster Award Presented by Workday recipient; Paula Martin Sampedro, the 2026 ACC Individual Champion and ACC Golfer of the Year; Meja Ortengren, a WGCA First Team All-American and All-ACC selection; Andrea Revuelta, a WGCA First Team All-American and All-ACC selection; and Kelly Xu, a WGCA Second Team All-American and All-ACC selection.

For the second consecutive season, the Jackie Steinmann WGCA National Coach of the Year Presented by Golf Pride and the Division I Golf Pride WGCA Assistant Coach of the Year awards were earned by coaches from the same program. Walker's selection, coupled with Brooke Riley's recognition as the 2025-26 Division I Golf Pride WGCA Assistant Coach of the Year, gives Stanford both WGCA Division I coaching honors this season.

See full press release here. 

Division I WGCA Region Coaches of the Year

East Region Coach of the Year: Josh Brewer, Eastern Michigan University

In the 2025-2026 season, Eastern Michigan secured three wins (The Southern, Leadership and Golf Invitational, and Silicon Valley Showcase) and had eight top-three finishes. The Eagle’s adjusted scoring average is 285.6. They are ranked #27 heading into the 2026 DI Women’s National Championship.

Central Region Coach of the Year: Gerrod Chadwell, Texas A&M University

In the 2025-2026 season, Texas A&M had five wins (The Carmel Cup, Folds of Honor Collegiate, Jim West Challenge, Bear Brawl, and The 22^nd “Mo” Morial) and nine top-three finishes. The Aggies’ adjusted scoring average is 280.2. They are ranked #4 heading into the 2026 DI Women’s National Championship.

South Region Coach of the Year: Emily Glaser, University of Florida

In the 2025-2026 season, the University of Florida won six tournaments (The University of Oklahoma Intercollegiate Presented by PDI, The Ally, Sea Best Intercollegiate, Gators Invitational, Clemson Invitational, and the 2026 SEC Women’s Golf Championship – Stroke Play) and had nine top-three finishes. The Gator’s adjusted scoring average is 279.7. They are ranked #3 heading into the 2026 DI Women’s National Championship.

West Region Coach of the Year: Anne Walker, Stanford University

In the 2025-2026 season, Stanford notched seven tournament wins (2025 Stanford Intercollegiate, Nanea Invitational, Arizona Thunderbird Intercollegiate, Bruin Wave Invitational, Charles Schwab Women’s Collegiate Invitational, 2026 ACC Women’s Golf Championship – Stroke and Match Play, and the NCAA Stanford Regional) and had eight top-three finishes. The Cardinal’s adjusted scoring average is 273.9. They are ranked #1 heading into the 2026 DI Women’s National Championship.

See full press release here. 

Division II PING WGCA Player of the Year

Amely Bochaton, Wingate University

Division II WGCA Freshman of the Year Presented by StrackaLine

Olivia Roberts, Anderson University

WGCA Division II All-American Team

First Team

Henriette Stranda, Flagler College

Hannah Nall, Lee University

Kajsa Lindqvist, Lander University

Avery Foster, Cal State San Marcos

Martha Laremark, University of Texas at Tyler

Leonie Sinnhuber, Barry University

Ellen Spigner, Arkansas Tech University

Tereza Zavrelova, Barry University

Ashleigh Duflo, University of Findlay

Amely Bochaton, Wingate University

Olivia Meinecke, Wingate University

Ella Cheek, Dallas Baptist University

Madison Ude, Dallas Baptist University

Taylor Wilczek, St. Mary’s University – Texas

WGCA Division II All-Freshman Team Presented by the AJGA

Aubane Statiotis, Eckerd College

Youyang Li, Rollins College

Alexandra Remaklus, Nova Southeastern University

Olivia Roberts, Anderson University

Lucy Kate Smith, University of Texas at Tyler

PALM DESERT, California (May 18, 2026) – The Women’s Golf Coaches Association has announced the 2025-26 student-athlete and coaches awards for Division III Women’s Collegiate Golf. WGCA All-American teams, All-Region teams, All-Freshman Team Presented by the AJGA, Golf Pride Regional Coaches of the Year, and PING WGCA Player of the Year were recognized today at the Division III NCAA Women’s Golf Championship Banquet in Palm Desert, California. Winners of WGCA Freshman of the Year Presented by StrackaLine, Golf Pride WGCA Assistant Coach of the Year, and the Jackie Steinmann WGCA National Coach of the Year Presented by Golf Pride will be announced following the NCAA Championships. For further information regarding these awards, including selection criteria, please visit www.wgcagolf.com.

Division III PING WGCA Player of the Year

Zimo Li, Emory University

WGCA Division III All-American Teams

First Team

Zimo Li, Emory University 
Amanda Zheng, Emory University

Yoyo Fu, New York University

Carys Code, Emory University

Emma Wong, Carnegie Mellon University

Alyssa Lim, Carnegie Mellon University

Amy Beanblossom, Washington University – St. Louis

Ann Zhao, Pomona-Pitzer

Annabelle Chan, Pomona-Pitzer

Samantha Wang, Carnegie Mellon University

Shih Ting Tan, New York University

Second Team

Cecilia Jia, Carnegie Mellon University

Inha Jun, New York University

Euna Lee, Williams College

Natalie Cheong, Williams College

Sonia Hao, New York University

Natalie Catapano, University of the South

Sydney Richards, Southern Virginia University

Yvette Gorden, Huntingdon University

Carter Sichol, Carleton College

Erin Donovan, Piedmont University

Becky Williams, DePauw University

WGCA Division III All-American Teams (continued)

Honorable Mention Team

Jessica Mason, Trinity University

Lisa Chu, Pomona-Pitzer

Esther Jung, Emory University

Season Wei, Middlebury College

Joelle Kim, Amherst College

Alisa Ching, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges

Emma Lindemoen, Amherst College

Saxon Skinner, Washington University – St. Louis

Eunice Yi, Pomona-Pitzer

Camryn Kiser, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

WGCA All-Freshman Team presented by the AJGA

Amanda Zheng, Emory University
Yoyo Fu, New York University 

Alyssa Lim, Carnegie Mellon University

Ann Zhao, Pomona-Pitzer

Annabelle Chan, Pomona-Pitzer

Division III Golf Pride WGCA Regional Coaches of the Year

East Region Coach of the Year: Brad Johnson, New York University

Great Lakes Coach of the Year: Dan Rodgers, Carnegie Mellon University
Southeast Region Coach of the Year: Jane Hopkinson-Wood, Washington and Lee University
Central Region Coach of the Year: David Reinhardt, Washington University - St. Louis
West Region Coach of the Year: John Wurzer, Pomona Pitzer

WGCA All-Region Teams

Region 1/East Region

Yoyo Fu, New York University

Euna Lee, Williams College

Inha Jun, New York University

Sonia Hao, New York University

Shih Ting Tan, New York University

Natalie Cheong, Williams College

Mekhala Costello, Amherst College

Season Wei, Middlebury College

Joelle Kim, Amherst College

Emma Lindemoen, Amherst College

Amanda Phillips, Wesleyan University

Ella Han, Middlebury College

Region 2/Southeast

Zimo Li, Emory University

Amanda Zheng, Emory University

Carys Code, Emory University

Sydney Richards, Southern Virginia University

Natalie Catapano, University of the South

Yvette Gorden, Huntingdon College

Erin Donovan, Piedmont College

Jessica Mason, Trinity University

Esther Jung, Emory University

Morgan Mussatt, Randolph Macon College

Toral Bhatt, Washington & Lee University

Berkeley Bundy, Washington & Lee University

Region 3/Central

Amy Beanblossom, Washington University – St. Louis

Carter Sichol, Carleton College

Saxon Skinner, Washington University – St. Louis

Julia Imai, University Wisconsin-Stout

Athena Nguyen, Washington University – St. Louis

Jessy Young, Washington University – St. Louis

Nicole McGuire, Washington University – St. Louis

Bailey Lengfelder, Macalester College

Caylin Cantwell, St. Catherine University

Vidushi Keni, Grinnell College

Kavya Keshav, Grinnell College

Leah Balsbaugh, Dubuque University

Region 4/Great Lakes

Emma Wong, Carnegie Mellon University

Alyssa Lim, Carnegie Mellon University

Samantha Wang, Carnegie Mellon University

Cecilia Jia, Carnegie Mellon University

Becky Williams, Depauw University

Nikita Jadhav, Carnegie Mellon University

Natalia Fanucchi, Denison University

Rylee Smith, Trine University

Jacqueline Zang, Carnegie Mellon University

Gigi Zera, Illinois Wesleyan University

Siena Maschke, Denison University

Lexi Manteufel, Carthage College

Region 5/West

Ann Zhao, Pomona-Pitzer

Annabelle Chan, Pomona-Pitzer

Lisa Chu, Pomona-Pitzer

Alisa Ching, Claremont Mudd-Scripps Colleges

Eunice Yi, Pomona-Pitzer

Camryn Kiser, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Kinley Pessel, LeTourneau University

Esther Lee, Claremont Mudd-Scripps Colleges

Savanah Christenson, University of Redlands

Christine Yu, Claremont Mudd-Scripps Colleges

Chloe Phan, University of Redlands

Jizelle Robledo, University of Redlands

See full press release here. 

The WGCA Freshman of the Year Presented by StrackaLine is awarded annually to the top Freshman in Division I women's golf. Freshmen must have competed in a minimum of 15 competitive rounds to be considered.

Division I WGCA Freshman of the Year Presented by StrackaLine Watch List

·       Rianne Malixi, Duke University, Adjusted Scoring Average 69.4. She has one win (Sea Best Intercollegiate) and three top-three finishes – including a runner-up finish at the 2026 ACC Women’s Golf Championship – Stroke Play.

·       Kylee Choi, Pepperdine University, Adjusted Scoring Average 70.0. She has six top-five finishes and was named the 2026 WCC Freshman of the Year.

·       Madison Messimer, University of Tennessee, Adjusted Scoring Average 70.2. She has one win (Chris Banister Golf Classic) and three top-three finishes – including a runner-up finish at the 2026 SEC Women’s Golf Championship. Madison was named the 2026 SEC Freshman of the Year.

See full press release here. 

Division I PING WGCA Player of the Year. This award will be announced after the upcoming

Division I Women’s National Championship.

The PING WGCA Player of the Year is awarded annually to the best player in Division I

women’s golf. Each player must complete a minimum of 15 rounds during the competitive

year, including NCAA Regional Championships.

Division I PING WGCA Player of the Year Watch List

• Farah O’Keefe, JR, University of Texas, Adjusted Scoring Average 68.0

• Maria Jose Marin, JR, University of Arkansas, Adjusted Scoring Average 68.3

• Kiara Romero, JR, University of Oregon, Adjusted Scoring Average 67.9

• Paula Martin Sampedro, JR, Stanford University, Adjusted Scoring Average 68.3

• Avery Weed, JR, Mississippi State University, Adjusted Scoring Average 68.9

• Andrea Revuelta, SO, Stanford University, Adjusted Scoring Average 68.8

• Rianne Malixi, FR, Duke University, Adjusted Scoring Average 69.4

• Paula Francisco, JR, University of Florida, Adjusted Scoring Average 69.3

• Megha Ganne, SR, Stanford University, Adjusted Scoring Average 69.2

• Catherine Park, SR, University of Southern California, Adjusted Scoring Average 69.3

• Vanessa Borovilos, SO, Texas A&M University, Adjusted Scoring Average 69.4

• Jasmine Koo, SO, University of Southern California, Adjusted Scoring Average 69.6

Recognized as the highest annual coaching honor in women's collegiate golf, the Jackie Steinmann WGCA National Coach of the Year Presented by Golf Pride is awarded annually to the top coach in Division I, II, III, and NAIA women's golf.

Division I Jackie Steinmann WGCA National Coach of the Year Presented by Golf Pride Watch List

·      Kim Lewellen – Wake Forest University

·      Dan Brooks – Duke University

·      Josh Brewer – Eastern Michigan University

·      Aimee Neff – University of North Carolina

·      Casey VanDamme – Kent State University

·      Gerrod Chadwell – Texas A&M University

·      Laura Ianello – University of Texas

·      Shauna Estes-Taylor – University of Arkansas

·      Christie Martens – Iowa State University

·      Caroline Westrup – University of Missouri

·      Emily Glaser – University of Florida

·      Melissa Luellen – Auburn University

·      Greg Allen – Vanderbilt University

·      Emily Marron – University of Central Florida

·      Diana Cantu – University of Tennessee

·      Anne Walker – Stanford University

·      Justin Silverstein – University of Southern California

·      Derek Radley – University of Oregon

·      Laurie Gibbs – Pepperdine University

·      Alicia Um Holmes – University of California, Los Angeles

Full Press Release Here. 

This award recognizes an assistant coach whose leadership, preparation, and commitment elevate their program’s performance and positively impact the student-athlete experience.

Golf Pride WGCA Assistant Coach of the Year Watch List

·       Ellen Secor, University of Central Florida

·       Erynne Yoo, University of California, Los Angeles

·       Francesco Guarneri, University of Missouri

·       Maddie Luitwieler, Baylor University

·       Brooke Riley, Stanford University

·       Ryan Potter, Wake Forest University

·       Katie Rudolph, Columbia University

·       Manuela Carbajo Re, Kent State University

·       Kim Hall, Auburn University

·       Ashley Sease, University of Florida

·       Anna Newell, University of Tennessee

·       Caterina Don, Eastern Michigan University

·       Ryan Heisey, Arizona State University

·       Taylor Riggs, Iowa State University

·       Linley Ooi, California State University - Fullerton

See full press release here. 

BCGCA HBCU All-Freshman Team Presented by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association
Alaythia Hinds, Howard University
Salma Ibrahim, Southern University
Laniah Moffett, Howard University
Josefina Rendo, North Carolina Central University
Kierra Williams, Alabama State University

Acceptance video: https://vimeo.com/834157907

Keilee Bessho helped lead CMS to a third-place finish at the NCAA Division III Championships in her first season on the coaching staff, up from ninth place a season ago. The Athenas competed with a young roster in the postseason, with two first-years, two sophomores and a junior in their top five, and Bessho was instrumental in helping that young group break team scoring records for 18 holes, 36 holes and 54 holes, as well as the first two 67s individually in program history. 

Bessho joined the Athenas after a successful stint at SCIAC rival Redlands as both a player and a coach. She helped the Bulldogs to a No. 2 national ranking as a coach in 2021-22 and finished 13th at nationals as a player in 2019, helping Redlands finish in tenth place.

About the Women’s Golf Coaches Association
The Women’s Golf Coaches Association, founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization representing women’s collegiate golf coaches. The WGCA was formed to encourage the playing of college golf for women in correlation with a general objective of education and in accordance with the highest tradition of intercollegiate competition. Today, the WGCA represents over 700 coaches throughout the U.S. and is dedicated to educating, promoting and recognizing both its members and the student-athletes they represent.    

Acceptance video: https://vimeo.com/834843468

Esther had an immediate impact on the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women’s golf team, while helping the Athenas to a third-place finish at the NCAA Division III Championships. She earned first-team WGCA All-America honors, and tied for 15th at the NCAA Division III Championships. 

Lee also earned both the SCIAC Athlete of the Year Award and the Newcomer of the Year Award after earning individual medalist honors at the league championships by shooting -10 over three rounds. Included in her score was a 67 on the final day (-5), which tied the CMS record for the low score in any round. 

In addition to her postseason honors, Lee was the SCIAC Athlete of the Week on March 13 after leading CMS to the team title at the Westbrook Invite at the Lakes in Arizona and earned a top 10 finish (ninth) at the Jekyll Island Invitational.

About the Women’s Golf Coaches Association
The Women’s Golf Coaches Association, founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization representing women’s collegiate golf coaches. The WGCA was formed to encourage the playing of college golf for women in correlation with a general objective of education and in accordance with the highest tradition of intercollegiate competition. Today, the WGCA represents over 700 coaches throughout the U.S. and is dedicated to educating, promoting and recognizing both its members and the student-athletes they represent.