Kansas Wesleyan women's golf coach Wes Lawhorn has a specific and special goal in mind for his team in next week's 30th annual NAIA National Championship at Eagle Crest Golf Club in Ypsilanti, Mich.
"Our ladies have always been very competitive by nature," he said. "They've had a taste of winning at the (Kansas) Conference level and I think they're all very hungry to go out there and make the cut for the first time in program history. It's going to be exciting to watch."
The Coyotes qualified for nationals by winning the KCAC Tournament last week in Joplin, Mo. They easily defended their 2024 title with a 40-shot victory at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club.
NAIA play begins on Tuesday with the opening round followed by the second round on Wednesday. Following the first two rounds the field will be cut to the top 15 teams (plus ties) and six individuals who have not already made the cut with their teams (plus ties).
The Coyotes tee off on hole No. 10 at 11:50 a.m. Central time on Tuesday and hole No. 1 at 6:50 a.m. on Wednesday. They are paired with Coastal Georgia and Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) both days.
Lawhorn is confident his team is ready for the challenge.
"We have a great group of student-athletes who day in, and day out put in time, dedication and hard work to allow themselves to be prepared at that stage to compete and showcase their abilities," he said. "We've been working the last few weeks on the mental side of the approach to the game. How can we play to our strengths and how can we try to avoid some of our weak areas? The main thing is just go out and compete."
Senior Abby Donovan, the KCAC Player of the Year, leads the way. She won the individual conference championship with a 54-hole 234 score and was the lone player to shoot in the 70s in all three rounds.
"Her work ethic, time, dedication," Lawhorn said of Donovan's attributes. "You never have to wonder if Abby is going to be at practice or if she's not going to be working on her craft outside of practice. She eats, sleeps and breathes golf and it's very evident by her success both on and off the golf course. She's finishing up her master's degree here and has been in the top five every single tournament this year."
Senior Sara Krenowicz, junior Chaney Littell and sophomore Ryann Warren round out the top four. Sophomores Kelsey Essex and Emily Stamper contributed as well.
"All six of those ladies, whether they were coming in as a substitute or were part of our top four all year played really well," Lawhorn said. "It was a huge success to go out there and repeat as KCAC champions."
Sophomore Savanna Nickum also will travel to Michigan.
Lawhorn is proud he was able to continue KWU's success.