Bethel University's women's golf team had three student-athletes commit to their program for the 2017 spring season and beyond. The Royals, who will compete in three spring matches during the month of April, welcomed
Kayla Ruf, who was playing on the team this fall as a PSEO student, Haley Prewitt, who transferred from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Katie Engelking, who transferred from Texas Christian University.
"It is great when you bring in players that love to play golf and are driven by their own competitive spirit and inner discipline," said head coach
Trent Anderson. "The three ladies that committed this spring are joining the family of golfers and bring a fervor that will be contagious. We will be losing four strong leaders at the end of this year, and losing recruits to other universities in the Fall of 2016, one of which was Katie Engelking, was a reason for concern for me. Therefore, receiving the blessing of these two transferring recruits to BU in the spring as well as the commitment of
Kayla Ruf was a major lift."
Kayla Ruf, who graduated from Legacy Christian Academy, finished third on the team this fall in scoring average, posting 83.3 strokes per round in four matches played. Her lowest score was 79 at the Division III Classic, hosted by Carleton College on September 17, 2016, which yielded a Top 20 finish during the event.
Haley Prewitt, who graduated from Annandale High School, was a three-time All-Conference golfer in the Wright County Conference. She finished second in the conference during her senior season and advanced to the Class 2A State Tournament. Prewitt was a two-year captain for the Cardinals' conference championship team.
Katie Engelking, who graduated from Edina High School, was a four-year member of the Hornet's varsity golf team. She helped Edina reach the Minnesota State High School League State Tournament during her ninth, tenth, and 12th grade season. The Hornets also finished third at state during her junior season. Engelking served as a captain and earned All-State honors during her senior season after finishing among the Top 10 individually. She also played varsity tennis from 8-12th grade, winning five state championships with Edina High School. Off the course and court, Engelking served as an FCA leader and established an organization called "Hornet connections," which continues to help kids with special needs.
Anderson continued, "Players who want to win and with good work ethic are a coaches ally. As they work to position themselves for a spot in the top five beginning in the spring I believe this competitiveness will push everyone to come to practice daily with an intent to make their practice time even more profitable."
"In addition to their drive and competitive spirit each of these ladies has a love for the LORD and will be a part of fitting into our faith-filled family of golfers that are pushing one another to enrich their character. When we bring a new member into our golf family we desire that person to be mold-able in the golf arena, but even more so in their awareness of others and Christ likeness. My hope is that our team of ladies works to out serve one another. Along the way, don't be surprised if we end up winning the conference championship this next fall."
Bethel's women's golf team begins its spring season on April 14, when they play host to the Battle at the Creek held at Pebble Creek Golf Course in Becker, Minn. They then host the Royal Match at Deer Run on April 22 followed by the Carleton Invitational on April 29 at Bellwood Oaks Golf Course.
