The Rise of Bluefield Women’s Golf

Photo courtesy of bcrams.com.

Golf at the collegiate level, although primarily considered a male-dominated sport, has begun shifting to better include both males and females. This is especially the case at Bluefield University.

In fact, this fall was the first time BU has had a full women’s golf roster. In 2023, women’s golf consisted of two players, Lexi Sandlin and Tristen Gillenwater who instead of on a team had to compete individually because of the lack of players. The 2024 team added Stella Gunter, Lindsey Howlett, Savannah Riley, and Emma Vickers to the roster.

“It is very different having a full team because we get to compete as a team instead of individually,” said Gillenwater, a junior from Boone County, West Virginia. “It is also different because we are able to bond and help each other as a team. It has also led to great friendships.”

 Gillenwater is no stranger to having to compete as a minority as she was the only female member of her co-ed golf team in high school. This year, she is now able to compete alongside other women who love the sport just as much as she does. She hopes that next year they can bring even more girls to the team.

Andy Sawyers is in his first year at Bluefield University as the head coach of women’s golf. Even though he was not the coach last season, he said having a full roster is providing the team with healthy competition between players as well as improved team camaraderie and connection. One disadvantage to having more players on the roster is that not all players get to travel and participate in every tournament. In addition, there is slightly less opportunity for individualized coaching.

Both Gillenwater and Sawyers said the BU women’s golf team has done well this season. Sawyers said the team has had “some ups and downs,” but they’ve also had some great individual performances and have truly created a solid base to build on in the future.

“I think we are only scratching the surface of what this team can be. I believe every player has incredible potential, and I am excited to see them put in the work to make that a reality. I believe we have several women who can be in contention to win and place in tournaments in the future, and along with individual growth and success comes team success.”

Andy Sawyers

In final thoughts about this year’s Lady Rams golf team, Coach Sawyers offered additional words of praise and adoration for his players.

“I am thankful to coach such a fun group of ladies that aren’t just great athletes, but they are even better people,” Sawyers said. “I am excited to see what their golf careers hold, but at the end of the day I am thankful for the blessing they are to myself, this college, our community, and those whose lives they will impact in the future.”

Keep an eye out for the Bluefield University women’s golf team as they continue to grow stronger as individuals, but more importantly as a team.