Recruiting is the determining factor in whether a college athletic program succeeds or suffers over periods of time. One great class can set a winning tone for years to come but one big hit could change the department’s direction forever.
Bradley golf has a bright future with this year’s newcomers who are already starting to make their mark in Bradley history.
Women’s coach Mary Swanson said she has a special group of freshmen that can not only contribute now, but also set the program up for continued success as they go through their Bradley careers.
Men’s golf coach Jeff Roche brought in two talented freshmen and a junior college transfer that are making immediate impacts on the Braves’ season.
Junior Lyle Burns tied a school record with a round of 66 at the SIUE Derek Dolenc Invitational in his second career tournament. The six-under par 66 is Burns’ career-best round. Burns transferred from Parkland Community College, where he finished ninth at the NJCAA national tournament. He also played with senior Seth Trolia in high school.
“Lyle’s a big, strong kid who hits the ball long and has a great short game,” Roche said. “He has done a lot to start improving his game. He has a lot of potential due to a late start in high school.”
Dan Lensing also made a strong contribution in his first collegiate appearance tying for third at the Whistling Straights Invitational. He set a career-low round with a one-under 71 at the Derek Dolenc Invitational, his second tournament.
“Dan has all kinds of ability to put together a lot of good rounds,” Roche said. “He puts forth the day-to-day effort. If he improves his course management, he can have a really, really good career.”
Matthew Specht rounds out this year’s men’s class. He helped his team to back-to-back conference titles and a state sectional title in high school.
“Matt has a lot of ability, but not a lot of tournament experience,” Roche said. “He just missed qualifying for the first tournaments. He has real good fundamentals and will now be able to focus solely on golf.”
For the freshman, having players they can look to for advice is key as they attempt to navigate the new world of college athletics. Lensing said he has teammates that give him advice on how to do just that.
“I have people to look up to that have more experience than I have,” Lensing said. “I take every opportunity to pick the brains of our upperclassmen.”
The Bradley women add depth to a strong group of veterans with three freshmen. Despite only competing in one tournament together as a team, they have built great chemistry.
“We get along really well and go to everything together,” freshman Gracie Henderson said. “We are starting to become a close group.”
Henderson qualified as the third starter for the Braves for her first collegiate tournament. In high school, she finished fourth in the state as a junior and won medalist honors as a senior on her team’s way to a state championship.
Henderson may have been late to arrive on the golf scene, but Swanson said she’s incredibly talented.
“[Gracie] is trying to soak it all in and always asks for advice,” Swanson said. “The sky’s the limit for Gracie; she is coachable and doing all she can to get better.”
Abby Wellens also qualified for her first collegiate tournament and was consistent with her scores. Wellens was a 10-time medalist in her senior year in high school, including a state sectional title.
“Abby has a lot of national experience and keeps a pretty even keel mentality,” Swanson said. “She is in constant communication with her coaches and cares about the details.“
Ally Scaccia reunites with junior and former high school classmate Allison Walsh. They both attended Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Scaccia won two state championships in high school and finished second individually as a junior.
“Ally is a hard worker and a natural talent,” Swanson said. “She lacks national experience, but cares about the game and team aspect of the game.”
Swanson also noted that she has had a fun time coaching the newcomers this year, despite their lack of experience.
“It has been really fun from the start with [the freshmen],” Swanson said. “Coming to work and interacting with them on a daily basis and how coachable they are has been a pleasure.”
