Sun Devil Women's Golf welcomed in two highly-touted freshmen from their own backyard, as Xavier Prep standouts Ashley Menne and Breyana Matthews have joined the squad for the 2020-21 season. The local products enjoyed plenty of success during their high school careers, something they will look to carry with them as they make the transition to the college game.
Before they enter their first season as Sun Devils, let's "Get to Know" the freshman duo. The "Meet the New Sun Devils" series continues with former AZ Central Women's Golfer of the Year Finalist Breyana Matthews.
Matthews is one of the two freshman out of Xavier Prep, which won three-consecutive State Championships (2016-18). The Gators have won 36 state championships and a tradition of producing Sun Devils. Current Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye and her sister, Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famer Heather Farr, were two of many to star at the local high school before heading to Tempe. Recent graduate and 2017 National Champion Madison Kerley attended Xavier, winning an individual title her senior year along with four team titles. Former Sun Devil and two-time National Champion Tui Selvaratnam currently serves as the co-Head Coach at Xavier Prep.
The talented local standout played an integral role in Xavier winning two AIA Division I State Championships in 2017 & 2018. Matthews finished in the Individual Top-15 at her final three State Championship events, highlighted by a third-place finish (+1/145) in 2018. She teamed up with future teammate Ashley Menne to help Xavier win the 2018 title by an astounding 33 strokes. Matthews was the team's second-highest finisher at the 2019 State Championship, earning 14th place in a field of 73 golfers. She was one of three Gators to finish in the Top-15 at the 2017 tournament, which Xavier won by nine strokes. AZ Central tabbed Matthews as a finalist for the Arizona High School Girls Golfer of the Year in 2018.
The Scottsdale, Arizona native comes to Tempe with extensive experience in national and local tournaments, having competed in USGA, AJGA, and JGAA events throughout her career. At the 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier in Mission Hills, Kansas, she teamed up with her partner to finish with the lowest score (68) of anyone at the regional. She has compiled eight top-three finishes at JGAA events, including four victories. Matthews won the 2019 Thunderbird Invitational-PING Jr Masters back in February at her future collegiate home, Papago Golf Course. She also has titles at the 2018 Northern AZ Jr Championship, 2017 AM&E Classic - Bryce Molder Jr Masters, and the 2017 Holiday Challenge. She finished second to Ashley Menne at the 2018 FCWT Junior Golf Tournament at Grayhawk, home of the 2021-23 NCAA Men's and Women's Golf National Championships.
Competing is in the blood of Matthews, as she is the sister of current NHL center Auston Matthews, who plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Learn more about the newest member of Sun Devil Women's Golf:
Q: What sold you on Arizona State?
The coaches, program, and facilities made me choose Arizona State.
Q: What have you enjoyed about ASU most so far?
I have enjoyed getting the college experience and making new friends from all around the world.
Q: Where is your favorite place to eat in Arizona?
Carolina's Mexican Food
Q: How special is it to be coached by someone who has won a NCAA championship as a player, assistant, and Head Coach?
It's awesome. It's such an incredible opportunity to learn from coaches that have had a wealth of experience from so many different levels.
Q: If you could meet any professional athlete/celeb who would it be and why?
I already did! I had the opportunity to meet Justin Bieber and he was such an incredible person. He made it such a memorable moment.
Q: Best memory from playing golf in High School?
Being part of a team and winning multiple state championships.
Q: Biggest thing you learned from winning State Championships?
Every shot counts. It is not over until all 18 holes have been played.
Q: Any hobbies outside of golf?
I love drawing and hiking.
Q: Favorite course to play in Arizona besides Papago?
Seven Canyons Golf Club in Sedona.
Q: If you had to play another sport what would you choose?
I would play Tennis.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" -Muhammad Ali
Q: Something many people might now know about you?
I lived in Switzerland for 8 months.
Q: Goal you aspire to achieve as a Sun Devil?
To win multiple national championships.
Q: Best advice you received from an older teammate?
The best advice I received is to be myself on the golf course.
Q: What is your dream vacation?
To relax in Santorini, Greece.
Q: Who is your biggest hero?
My father.
Q: Favorite Toronto Maple Leafs moment?
Watching my brother's first hockey game.
Q: Best part of having Ashley as a teammate?
It is nice to be with someone that I grew up with and I look forward to this journey with her.
Before they enter their first season as Sun Devils, let's "Get to Know" the freshman duo. The "Meet the New Sun Devils" series continues with former AZ Central Women's Golfer of the Year Finalist Breyana Matthews.
Matthews is one of the two freshman out of Xavier Prep, which won three-consecutive State Championships (2016-18). The Gators have won 36 state championships and a tradition of producing Sun Devils. Current Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye and her sister, Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famer Heather Farr, were two of many to star at the local high school before heading to Tempe. Recent graduate and 2017 National Champion Madison Kerley attended Xavier, winning an individual title her senior year along with four team titles. Former Sun Devil and two-time National Champion Tui Selvaratnam currently serves as the co-Head Coach at Xavier Prep.
The talented local standout played an integral role in Xavier winning two AIA Division I State Championships in 2017 & 2018. Matthews finished in the Individual Top-15 at her final three State Championship events, highlighted by a third-place finish (+1/145) in 2018. She teamed up with future teammate Ashley Menne to help Xavier win the 2018 title by an astounding 33 strokes. Matthews was the team's second-highest finisher at the 2019 State Championship, earning 14th place in a field of 73 golfers. She was one of three Gators to finish in the Top-15 at the 2017 tournament, which Xavier won by nine strokes. AZ Central tabbed Matthews as a finalist for the Arizona High School Girls Golfer of the Year in 2018.
The Scottsdale, Arizona native comes to Tempe with extensive experience in national and local tournaments, having competed in USGA, AJGA, and JGAA events throughout her career. At the 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier in Mission Hills, Kansas, she teamed up with her partner to finish with the lowest score (68) of anyone at the regional. She has compiled eight top-three finishes at JGAA events, including four victories. Matthews won the 2019 Thunderbird Invitational-PING Jr Masters back in February at her future collegiate home, Papago Golf Course. She also has titles at the 2018 Northern AZ Jr Championship, 2017 AM&E Classic - Bryce Molder Jr Masters, and the 2017 Holiday Challenge. She finished second to Ashley Menne at the 2018 FCWT Junior Golf Tournament at Grayhawk, home of the 2021-23 NCAA Men's and Women's Golf National Championships.
Competing is in the blood of Matthews, as she is the sister of current NHL center Auston Matthews, who plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Learn more about the newest member of Sun Devil Women's Golf:
Q: What sold you on Arizona State?
The coaches, program, and facilities made me choose Arizona State.
Q: What have you enjoyed about ASU most so far?
I have enjoyed getting the college experience and making new friends from all around the world.
Q: Where is your favorite place to eat in Arizona?
Carolina's Mexican Food
Q: How special is it to be coached by someone who has won a NCAA championship as a player, assistant, and Head Coach?
It's awesome. It's such an incredible opportunity to learn from coaches that have had a wealth of experience from so many different levels.
Q: If you could meet any professional athlete/celeb who would it be and why?
I already did! I had the opportunity to meet Justin Bieber and he was such an incredible person. He made it such a memorable moment.
Q: Best memory from playing golf in High School?
Being part of a team and winning multiple state championships.
Q: Biggest thing you learned from winning State Championships?
Every shot counts. It is not over until all 18 holes have been played.
Q: Any hobbies outside of golf?
I love drawing and hiking.
Q: Favorite course to play in Arizona besides Papago?
Seven Canyons Golf Club in Sedona.
Q: If you had to play another sport what would you choose?
I would play Tennis.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" -Muhammad Ali
Q: Something many people might now know about you?
I lived in Switzerland for 8 months.
Q: Goal you aspire to achieve as a Sun Devil?
To win multiple national championships.
Q: Best advice you received from an older teammate?
The best advice I received is to be myself on the golf course.
Q: What is your dream vacation?
To relax in Santorini, Greece.
Q: Who is your biggest hero?
My father.
Q: Favorite Toronto Maple Leafs moment?
Watching my brother's first hockey game.
Q: Best part of having Ashley as a teammate?
It is nice to be with someone that I grew up with and I look forward to this journey with her.