WINONA LAKE – Five local golfers have committed to continue their careers for Grace College’s women’s team.
Four members of the Northern Lakes Conference along with one Lakeland Christian golfer all signed recently to play for head coach Denny Duncan.
“This group has special meaning to me. I've had the unique opportunity to watch them play all through their high school careers and develop from very young players to accomplished athletes,” Duncan said.
“Each of them brings a unique aspect to our team, and I'm confident they will help our program grow spiritually, academically and on the course. I couldn't be more excited to have them.”
ABIGAIL FISHEL – LAKELAND CHRISTIAN
Fishel is a four-year golfer from Lakeland Christian. She earned multiple medalist honors during her career and also qualified for regionals twice for the Cougars.
Additionally, she was a four-year member of LCA’s basketball team, helping win a pair of Hoosier Plains Conference titles and the Cougar Classic.
Fishel, a Warsaw native, is a member of the National Honor Society.
“Grace College met all of my needs: it has a strong nursing program and has a golf team with a great coach,” Fishel said.
ALAYNA FREY – NORTHRIDGE
Alayna Frey is a standout golfer who played on Northridge’s varsity team for four years and posted a low score of 86.
She placed third on the individual leaderboard during the 2017 sectional tournament, and she helped Northridge to a sectional championship as a senior in 2018.
Frey plans to study entrepreneurial management during her time at Grace.
“I loved the people and the environment the most when I visited, and that was very important,” Frey said. “I chose Grace because I know I will feel at home while I’m there.”
JULIA HILDEBRAND – WARSAW
Warsaw Lady Tiger standout Hildebrand has signed to play with the Lady Lancers. Hildebrand earned three varsity letters in golf and earned the Most Improved Player and the Striving Toward Excellence Awards from Warsaw coach Tad Nieter.
During her high school career, she also participated in cross country and track and field for the Lady Tigers.
As a Scholar-Athlete, Hildebrand has been a part of groups such as Feed My Starving Children and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Hildebrand intends to major in pre-vet health sciences.
BRITTNEY KLOTZ – PLYMOUTH
Klotz has signed her letter of intent to play at Grace. She has been a regional qualifier during her career at Plymouth.
She was an honorable mention All-Northern Lakes Conference golfer as a senior in the fall.
Klotz, who has a GPA of 3.67, wants to study nursing during her time at Grace. She is currently ranked 58th in her class of 284 students.
Klotz, the daughter of Rex and Michelle Klotz, plans to major in nursing.
ABBY SLABAUGH – NORTHWOOD
Slabaugh is an accomplished golfer from NorthWood. She played varsity golf for four years, winning numerous awards.
Twice, Slabaugh was a finalist in the IHSAA state championships. The three-year captain earned a pair of First Team All-Northern Lakes Conference accolades. In 2018 she was the sectional runner-up, shooting 82 to lead her team to a sectional crown.
Slabaugh, a National Honor Society member, intends to major in elementary and art education.
“Grace College fit a lot of the criteria I was looking for in a school. The location is perfect, it has a good education program, the Christ-centered environment is what I wanted, and coach Denny and the girls on the team have been great,” Slabaugh said.
