CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Three members of the Sun Devil Women's Golf team received the top honor in NCAA Women's Golf, as they were recognized as Division I All-Americans by the Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) on Tuesday afternoon.
Linn Grant was one of 11 First Team All-Americans, accomplishing the feat after putting together a tremendous freshman campaign. By virtue of her Honorable Mention All-American status following her senior year, Olivia Mehaffey becomes just the third four-time All-American in program history. For the first time since 2017, three different Sun Devils earned All-American honors, with Alessandra Fanali joining Mehaffey in receiving Honorable Mention distinction.
"Congratulations to our 3 Sun Devils making All-American teams this year," Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye exclaimed. "I am so excited to see these young women be recognized for their hard work and determination. We could not be prouder of our Sun Devils!"
The Arizona State Women's Golf program has seen its share of of breakout freshman seasons. The performance of Linn Grant during the 2019-20 season belongs in the discussion of one of the top freshman campaigns in school history. Grant was rewarded with First-Team All-American recognition, the 51st time a Sun Devil has landed on the First Team. She was spectacular throughout her freshman season, finishing in the Top-10 at five of the seven tournaments. Despite her inexperience at the collegiate level, she played with a consistency and maturity beyond her years, helping her land on the ANNIKA Award Watch List as one of 15 candidates for National Player of the Year. Grant is the first Sun Devil freshman to become a First Team All-American since fellow Sweden native Linnea Strom did it back in 2016.
"For Linn Grant, becoming a First team All-American as a freshman is truly outstanding," Coach Farr-Kaye remarked. "Linn has a passion for the game of golf that is so great to watch and to coach. The future for Linn is exciting!"
WGCA Division I All-American Teams
First Team
Ana Belac, Senior, Duke University
Linn Grant, Freshman, Arizona State University
Vivian Hou, Freshman, University of Arizona
Rachel Kuehn, Freshman, Wake Forest University
Ingrid Lindblad, Freshman, Louisiana State University
Emilia Migliaccio, Junior, Wake Forest University
Kaitlyn Papp, Junior, University of Texas
Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, Freshman, University of South Carolina
Emma Spitz, Freshman, University of California, Los Angeles
Natalie Srinivasan, Senior, Furman University
Kaleigh Telfer, Junior, Auburn University
Olivia Mehaffey caps off a decorated career in Tempe with a historic achievement, becoming just the third four-time All-American in the history of the Arizona State Women's Golf program. She joins an exclusive list of Sun Devils to have been named All-Americans after each of their four years, one that includes only Kellee Booth (1995-98) and Azahara Munoz (2006-09). Mehaffey received Honorable Mention honors as a freshman and senior, in addition to her Second Team designation after both her junior and senior seasons.
"Olivia Mehaffey becoming a 4 time All-American is an unbelievable accomplishment," Coach Farr-Kaye observed. "Especially amazing is her record this year when dealing with returning from a hand injury. It is difficult to describe how invaluable Olivia has been to our program the last 4 years both on and off the golf course."
As the lone senior and leader of the team, Mehaffey had the Sun Devils in contention for both a Conference and National Championship. She was an integral part of the Sun Devils winning the 2017 National Championship during her freshman season, an indication of the incredible career that would follow. The Belfast, Ireland native leaves Tempe as one of the most decorated golfers in the history of the Sun Devil Women's Golf program.
"I am so happy to see Alessandra be recognized as an All-American this year," Coach Farr-Kaye added. "Watching her grow as a golfer and college student these past 2 years has been great. It will be a lot of fun to see her continue to do great things in the future."
Honorable Mention Team
Alyaa Abdulghany, Junior, University of Southern California
Jaravee Boonchant, Junior, Duke University
Ya Chun Chang, Sophomore, University of Arizona
Elodie Chapelet, Redshirt-Senior, Baylor University
Alessandra Fanali, Sophomore, Arizona State University
Isabella Fierro, Freshman, Oklahoma State University
Amelia Garvey, Junior, University of Southern California
Allyson Geer-Park, Senior, Michigan State University
Ashley Gilliam, Freshman, Mississippi State University
Lauren Hartlage, Senior, University of Louisville
Momoka Kobori, Senior, Pepperdine University
Caley McGinty, Freshman, Kent State University
Olivia Mehaffey, Senior, Arizona State University
Sofie Nielsen, Freshman, University of Oregon
Natasha Andrea Oon, Sophomore, San Jose State University
Emilie Paltrinieri, Freshman, University of Los Angeles, California
Valery Plata, Sophomore, Michigan State University
Priscilla Schmid, Junior, Indiana University
Karoline Stormo, Senior, Kent State University
Beatrice Wallin, Sophomore, Florida State University
Lauren Walsh, Freshman, Wake Forest University
Jennifer Zhou, Sophomore, University of North Carolina
For further information regarding these awards including selection criteria, please visit www.wgcagolf.com.
The Sun Devil Women's Golf program has had an incredible 86 All-Americans since 1960, including at least one in each of last the 16 years. Since 2000, Arizona State boasts a total of 38 All-Americans, a list that features some of the top names in history of the sport. During the Missy Farr-Kaye era which began prior to the 2015-16 season, the Sun Devils have had 10 All-Americans, including three in both 2020 and the National Championship year of 2017.
All-Americans Since 2000 (38)
2020: Linn Grant (first)
Olivia Mehaffey (hm)
Alessandra Fanali (hm)
2019: Olivia Mehaffey (second)
2018: Olivia Mehaffey (second)
2017: Monica Vaughn (first)
Linnea Strom (first)
Olivia Mehaffey (hm)
2016: Linnea Strom (first)
Monica Vaughn (second)
2015: Monica Vaughn (first)
Noemi Jimenez (second)
2014: Noemi Jimenez (first)
2013: Noemi Jimenez (second)
2012: Giulia Molinaro (first)
Justine Lee (hm)
2011: Carlota Ciganda (first)
2010: Carlota Ciganda (first)
Jennifer Johnson (first)
Juliana Murcia (first)
Jaclyn Sweeney (hm)
2009: Carlota Ciganda (first)
Azahara Munoz (first)
Juliana Murcia (second)
Jennifer Osborn (hm)
2008: Azahara Munoz (first)
Anna Nordqvist (first)
2007: Azahara Munoz (second)
Anna Nordqvist (first)
Jennifer Osborn (first)
2006: Azahara Munoz (second)
Jennifer Osborn (second)
Alissa Kuczka (second)
Tiffany Tavee (hm)
2005: Louise Stahle (first)
2002: Jimin Kang (first)
2001: Jimin Kang (hm)
2000: Miriam Nagl (first)
With two of this year's honorees being underclassmen, the future of Sun Devil Women's Golf is bright.
HOW TO FOLLOW
For the latest updates and information on the Sun Devil Women's Golf program, follow our Twitter/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWGolf), like our Facebook page (facebook.com/sundevilwgolf/), and visit our website (thesundevils.com).
Linn Grant was one of 11 First Team All-Americans, accomplishing the feat after putting together a tremendous freshman campaign. By virtue of her Honorable Mention All-American status following her senior year, Olivia Mehaffey becomes just the third four-time All-American in program history. For the first time since 2017, three different Sun Devils earned All-American honors, with Alessandra Fanali joining Mehaffey in receiving Honorable Mention distinction.
"Congratulations to our 3 Sun Devils making All-American teams this year," Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye exclaimed. "I am so excited to see these young women be recognized for their hard work and determination. We could not be prouder of our Sun Devils!"
The Arizona State Women's Golf program has seen its share of of breakout freshman seasons. The performance of Linn Grant during the 2019-20 season belongs in the discussion of one of the top freshman campaigns in school history. Grant was rewarded with First-Team All-American recognition, the 51st time a Sun Devil has landed on the First Team. She was spectacular throughout her freshman season, finishing in the Top-10 at five of the seven tournaments. Despite her inexperience at the collegiate level, she played with a consistency and maturity beyond her years, helping her land on the ANNIKA Award Watch List as one of 15 candidates for National Player of the Year. Grant is the first Sun Devil freshman to become a First Team All-American since fellow Sweden native Linnea Strom did it back in 2016.
"For Linn Grant, becoming a First team All-American as a freshman is truly outstanding," Coach Farr-Kaye remarked. "Linn has a passion for the game of golf that is so great to watch and to coach. The future for Linn is exciting!"
The highlight of Grant's season happened in Hawaii, as she took home Individual Medalist honors while leading her team to a victory at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, the only Sun Devil to pick up an individual win. She managed to remain in the Top-10 of the Golfstat Individual Rankings all season long, eventually settling at No. 8 in the final edition. According to Golfstat, Grant did not finish behind an opponent ranked No. 25-100 (31-0), while also going undefeated (20-0) against individuals ranked 26-50 in the final Golfstat rankings. The up-and-coming star will have the opportunity to gain additional experience on a big stage, as she was selected to two significant amateur International tournaments, the Palmer Cup and Augusta National Women's Amateur.?? ??????-???????????????? ??
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) April 21, 2020
Following a tremendous freshman campaign, ???????? ?????????? received 1????? ???????? ??????-???????????????? honors from @WGCAGOLF! ??#ForksUp pic.twitter.com/G5Tzhq8Wdb
In case you forgot, she is only a freshman... ??
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) March 12, 2020
Future is bright for Linn Grant ??
After her 1?st place finish in Hawaii, she now has 5? Top-?? finishes this year ?? pic.twitter.com/ejJa8b60Pg
WGCA Division I All-American Teams
First Team
Ana Belac, Senior, Duke University
Linn Grant, Freshman, Arizona State University
Vivian Hou, Freshman, University of Arizona
Rachel Kuehn, Freshman, Wake Forest University
Ingrid Lindblad, Freshman, Louisiana State University
Emilia Migliaccio, Junior, Wake Forest University
Kaitlyn Papp, Junior, University of Texas
Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, Freshman, University of South Carolina
Emma Spitz, Freshman, University of California, Los Angeles
Natalie Srinivasan, Senior, Furman University
Kaleigh Telfer, Junior, Auburn University
Olivia Mehaffey caps off a decorated career in Tempe with a historic achievement, becoming just the third four-time All-American in the history of the Arizona State Women's Golf program. She joins an exclusive list of Sun Devils to have been named All-Americans after each of their four years, one that includes only Kellee Booth (1995-98) and Azahara Munoz (2006-09). Mehaffey received Honorable Mention honors as a freshman and senior, in addition to her Second Team designation after both her junior and senior seasons.
"Olivia Mehaffey becoming a 4 time All-American is an unbelievable accomplishment," Coach Farr-Kaye observed. "Especially amazing is her record this year when dealing with returning from a hand injury. It is difficult to describe how invaluable Olivia has been to our program the last 4 years both on and off the golf course."
Despite the year being cut short, Mehaffey still managed to accomplish plenty, including reaching several career milestones. She finished second at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge and sixth at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, pushing her career Top-10 finishes total to 20. Not only did she have 20 Top-10 finishes, she also carded 20 rounds in the 60s in her career, one of the Top-25 marks in NCAA history. Her 11 rounds at or under par this season give her 65 in her career, putting her in the Top-10 in NCAA record book. Mehaffey's 72.74 stroke average also puts her in the NCAA's Top-25 all-time. The reigning Pac-12 Conference Individual Medalist finished in the Top-40 of the final Golfstat Individual Rankings for the fourth consecutive year.?????????? ?????? for being a Sun Devil, Olivia Mehaffey! ??#SunDevil4Life pic.twitter.com/xccmlUEIWC
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) March 20, 2020
As the lone senior and leader of the team, Mehaffey had the Sun Devils in contention for both a Conference and National Championship. She was an integral part of the Sun Devils winning the 2017 National Championship during her freshman season, an indication of the incredible career that would follow. The Belfast, Ireland native leaves Tempe as one of the most decorated golfers in the history of the Sun Devil Women's Golf program.
Continuing to emerge as one of the most improved golfers in the country, Alessandra Fanali's hard work was rewarded with a spot on the WGCA Honorable Mention All-American team. She was the third Sun Devil to earn All-American honors after showing flashes of brilliance during a fantastic sophomore campaign. Fanali finished in the Top-20 at five of seven tournaments this season, highlighted by a sixth-place finish in her last event at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational. She was the Individual Champion of the Duel in the Desert, helping lead the Sun Devils to victory over Denver and No. 16 UCLA while beating out 20 other golfers. Fanali finished the season ranked No. 45 in the Golfstat Individual Rankings, reaching the highest spot of her young career.?? ??????-???????????????? ??
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) April 21, 2020
???????????? ???????????????? makes history, becoming just the 3?rd Sun Devil ever to be named a 4?-???????? ??????-????????????????! ?? #Legendary pic.twitter.com/QmjqrnpMLl
"I am so happy to see Alessandra be recognized as an All-American this year," Coach Farr-Kaye added. "Watching her grow as a golfer and college student these past 2 years has been great. It will be a lot of fun to see her continue to do great things in the future."
Fanali accomplished several exciting feats during her second season in Tempe, but none bigger than the way she managed to start her season. Beginning the ANNIKA Invitational at Royal Golf Club on the back nine, the Sun Devil sophomore made the turn in her first event of the year at an incredible 7-under (26) thanks to five birdies and an ace on the par-3 16th hole. The hole-in-one was the first of her collegiate career. The performance led to her first of six rounds in the 60s this year, as she was a big reason why the Sun Devil Lineup was recognized as one of the deepest in the country.?? ??????-???????????????? ??
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) April 21, 2020
Congratulations to ???????????????????? ????????????, who is the 3?rd Sun Devil to be recognized as an ??????-???????????????? by @WGCAGOLF! ???? pic.twitter.com/sdKdEfk1DE
?? HOLE-IN-ONE ?? @SunDevilWGolf's Alessandra Fanali makes an ace on No.16 @RoyalGolfClubMN! #ANNIKAInter pic.twitter.com/nkwiAEq2ez
— ANNIKA Foundation (@ANNIKA_Fdn) September 16, 2019
Honorable Mention Team
Alyaa Abdulghany, Junior, University of Southern California
Jaravee Boonchant, Junior, Duke University
Ya Chun Chang, Sophomore, University of Arizona
Elodie Chapelet, Redshirt-Senior, Baylor University
Alessandra Fanali, Sophomore, Arizona State University
Isabella Fierro, Freshman, Oklahoma State University
Amelia Garvey, Junior, University of Southern California
Allyson Geer-Park, Senior, Michigan State University
Ashley Gilliam, Freshman, Mississippi State University
Lauren Hartlage, Senior, University of Louisville
Momoka Kobori, Senior, Pepperdine University
Caley McGinty, Freshman, Kent State University
Olivia Mehaffey, Senior, Arizona State University
Sofie Nielsen, Freshman, University of Oregon
Natasha Andrea Oon, Sophomore, San Jose State University
Emilie Paltrinieri, Freshman, University of Los Angeles, California
Valery Plata, Sophomore, Michigan State University
Priscilla Schmid, Junior, Indiana University
Karoline Stormo, Senior, Kent State University
Beatrice Wallin, Sophomore, Florida State University
Lauren Walsh, Freshman, Wake Forest University
Jennifer Zhou, Sophomore, University of North Carolina
For further information regarding these awards including selection criteria, please visit www.wgcagolf.com.
The Sun Devil Women's Golf program has had an incredible 86 All-Americans since 1960, including at least one in each of last the 16 years. Since 2000, Arizona State boasts a total of 38 All-Americans, a list that features some of the top names in history of the sport. During the Missy Farr-Kaye era which began prior to the 2015-16 season, the Sun Devils have had 10 All-Americans, including three in both 2020 and the National Championship year of 2017.
All-Americans Since 2000 (38)
2020: Linn Grant (first)
Olivia Mehaffey (hm)
Alessandra Fanali (hm)
2019: Olivia Mehaffey (second)
2018: Olivia Mehaffey (second)
2017: Monica Vaughn (first)
Linnea Strom (first)
Olivia Mehaffey (hm)
2016: Linnea Strom (first)
Monica Vaughn (second)
2015: Monica Vaughn (first)
Noemi Jimenez (second)
2014: Noemi Jimenez (first)
2013: Noemi Jimenez (second)
2012: Giulia Molinaro (first)
Justine Lee (hm)
2011: Carlota Ciganda (first)
2010: Carlota Ciganda (first)
Jennifer Johnson (first)
Juliana Murcia (first)
Jaclyn Sweeney (hm)
2009: Carlota Ciganda (first)
Azahara Munoz (first)
Juliana Murcia (second)
Jennifer Osborn (hm)
2008: Azahara Munoz (first)
Anna Nordqvist (first)
2007: Azahara Munoz (second)
Anna Nordqvist (first)
Jennifer Osborn (first)
2006: Azahara Munoz (second)
Jennifer Osborn (second)
Alissa Kuczka (second)
Tiffany Tavee (hm)
2005: Louise Stahle (first)
2002: Jimin Kang (first)
2001: Jimin Kang (hm)
2000: Miriam Nagl (first)
With two of this year's honorees being underclassmen, the future of Sun Devil Women's Golf is bright.
HOW TO FOLLOW
For the latest updates and information on the Sun Devil Women's Golf program, follow our Twitter/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWGolf), like our Facebook page (facebook.com/sundevilwgolf/), and visit our website (thesundevils.com).