Lady Parsons Place in Top 10 at NJCAA Women’s Golf Nationals

Snead State Community College's Women's Golf Team capped off a great season with a Top 10 team finish at the NJCAA Division II Women's Golf National Championship, held May 13–16 at Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone, Iowa.

The Lady Parsons finished 10th overall, posting a four-round team total of +245. The team's round-by-round scores were 45-over in Round 1, 55-over in Round 2, 82-over in Round 3, and 63-over in the final round. Team members include Marlee Hedgepeth of Alexandria, Ashley Nelson of Lake City, Fla., Kyleigh Gibson of Smiths Station, and Rachel Gattis of Jacksonville.

Sophomore Ashley Nelson led the charge for Snead State, finishing third individually at +24. Her scores of 73, 78, 86, and 75 earned her a spot on the NJCAA First Team All-American.

"Ashley showed tremendous poise and competitiveness throughout the tournament," said Head Coach Shane Marshall. "To place third in the nation and earn All-American honors is a phenomenal accomplishment."

Nelson's performance helped anchor a team that stood among the best in the country. Top teams included Shelton State Community College, which captured the national title, Mesa Community College, Iowa Central Community College, and Murray State College of Oklahoma.

Snead State Athletic Director Casey Underwood said, "To finish in the top 10 nationally and have an All-American athlete is a major accomplishment. Coach Marshall and the players have raised the bar for our program."

Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore praised the team for representing the college with pride. "This is a proud moment for our program and the College. The team has brought national recognition to Snead State, and we couldn't be more excited about their future."