By Connor Smith
Sun Devil Women's Golf Michelle Estill recently announced her retirement from Arizona State. Her impact on the program as a student-athlete and coach over the past 30 is hard to measure. In Estill's seven-year tenure on Missy Farr-Kaye's coaching staff, Arizona State has been one of the most successful programs in the country.
Since her arrival in the midst of the 2016-17 season, Sun Devil Women's Golf has been a premiere destination for the top amateur golfers. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Estill and company, ASU now competes in the top collegiate golf facility in the nation. Here is a look at some of the major accomplishments in Tempe during the Estill era:
- 2017 National Championship (Eighth in program history; first since 2009)
- Monica Vaughn 2017 NCAA individual champion (10th in program history; first since 2008)
- Signed Golfweek's No. 1 rated recruiting class in 2022
- 15 Team Championships (2017 Regional Title)
- 13 Individual Championships
- 2017 Honda Award Winner Monica Vaughn (National Player of the Year)
- 2 ANNIKA Award Finalists (National Player of the Year)
- 12 All-Americans
- 20 Academic All-Americans
- 2019 Pac-12 Individual Medalist Olivia Mehaffey
- 2017 Pac-12 Golfer of the Year Monica Vaughn
- 19 Pac-12 All-Conference selections
- 3 Pac-12 Scholar Athletes of the Year (Roberta Liti, 2018; Olivia Mehaffey, 2021; Alexandra Forsterling, 2022)
- 25 Pac-12 Academic All-Conference selections
- 10 Sun Devils have gone on to play professionally
- 5 Palmer Cup participants
The true extent of her impact can't be described by records or on course accomplishments. To discover exactly what she meant to the Sun Devil Golf community, hear from those closest to her. Some of the most prominent figures in collegiate golf reflected on what it was like to compete for and against Michelle Estill during her career.
Her impact on ASU
“Coach Shell had a huge impact on me as a player and a person. She helped me develop a lot on the course and was always there to run ideas by and talk. She made the experience fun and always put a laugh and smile on all of our faces. She truly is one of the best people I have ever met and I feel very grateful to have had such a hard working, dedicated and caring coach in college!” - Olivia Mehaffey, 2017-21
“Although Michelle only coached me for 5 months, we made incredible memories and we will forever be National Champions together. Michelle will be missed for her playing experience as an amateur and professional, the integrity and enthusiasm she carries herself with, and her clever sense of humor! Getting to share 5 years together as assistants in the PAC-12 conference brought us even closer and I’m so proud to call her a mentor and friend as well as coach. I wish Michelle all the happiness in this next chapter of her life!” - Monica Vaughn, 2014-17
“I’m so thankful to have crossed path with coach Shell in my college career. She was such a great addition to the team in 2017: her experience on the golf course and her bubbly personality off the course are unmatched. Coach Missy and Shell were hands down the best duo in college golf!” - Roberta Liti, 2015-18
“When I think of a person that represents what a Sun Devil is, it’s Shell. She has probably the most school spirit out of everyone I know. One thing about Shell is that she always knew how to light up a room and make us all laugh. I’m so grateful for the time I spent with her and I know she will be missed by many.” - Grace Summerhays, 2021-pres.
"Michelle Estill has been associated with ASU Women’s Golf for over 30 years. When she first approached me about playing on the team, she was a fairly new golfer and said, 'I just want a chance to compete.' There was something about her that told me I should give her that chance. As it turned out, it was a wise decision, as she finished runner-up at the 1986 NCAA Championship and helped the team to a 4th place finish! I will always be grateful for giving her that opportunity.
While she was finishing her degree, she helped me out by becoming my “team manager”. I knew all along that her dream and goal was to qualify for the LPGA Tour, and with her grit and determination, she ended up having a very successful career as an LPGA Professional. Michelle proudly displayed a Sparky Headcover wherever she went and reminded everyone that was a Sun Devil.
Michelle came full circle when she returned to her alma mater to be Missy Farr Kaye’s assistant coach. What a dream team!! As a former student athlete and professional golfer, she was able to pass her wisdom and experience onto the team members.
She understood the excellence and tradition of ASU Women’s Golf and what it meant to be a Sun Devil.
Michelle’s legacy will live on, and as she says 'I bleed Maroon and Gold and will be a Sun Devil for Life.'
Thank you Michelle for giving back and for leaving your footprints on the fairways of life." - Coach Linda Vollstedt, 1980-2001
"Michelle has given Sun Devil Golf and Sun Devil Athletics everything. Not only for the past 6-plus years, but also as an alumna and Sun Devil for Life. I am very grateful for the time, passion, knowledge and care that she has provided to Sun Devil Women's Golf! Michelle made significant contributions to our many successes including winning the NCAA Championship in 2017 and played a huge role in the individual success of many, on the course, in the classroom, and as a friend. As an alumna to our program, her passion has and always will be inspiring and we look forward to her walking the local fairways and remaining a big part of the golf community at various levels. We all wish Michelle all the best in her retirement from coaching at Arizona State and thank her for everything she has done." - Sun Devil Women's Golf Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye
Outside of ASU
Estill certainly earned the respect of her peers thanks to her success and personality. Some of the top head coaches from around the country commented on their experiences compete with Estill.
"Michelle brought so much experience, both as a player, and as a Sun Devil. And now as a Coach. What I admired the most about Michelle was her sportsmanship. She was an avid fan of the game and you could feel her competitive spirit. But above all of that, she was always supportive and telling us 'Good shot, great putt'. She's has a respect for the game and it has been fun to compete with her." - Stanford Head Coach Anne Walker
"I want to congratulate her on her retirement. It has been great to see her and Missy work together and have incredible success. As a young coach coming up, it was fun to watch those two work together. Especially Michelle in her role. To see how she supported the kids and worked hard in the player improvement department. The way she carried herself on a day-to-day basis, it was great for a young coach to see. Tiffany (Joh) our assistant coach this year saw the same thing in Michelle. We appreciate all the service she has gave to college golf and we will miss her a ton." - USC Head Coach Justin Silverstein
"I've known Michelle for nearly 30 years. Back to when she played on Tour. I taught some players who were peers of hers back then. It was incredible to see her cross over into the coaching world. She has been an amazing colleague. I have enjoyed seeing her all of these years. I know it is going to be a huge loss. I have always appreciated what a great player she was and the way she handled herself on the golf course and with her players." - Northwestern Head Coach Emily Fletcher
"It has been awesome competing against Michelle. We are sad to see her go, but we understand that she has such an amazing professional career. Now, to have coached with Missy the last seven years and had so much success. What a great way to retire and what a quality career. She is one of the best."
- Arizona Head Coach Laura Ianello