Of the 12 Division 1 women's golf programs in New England, three are aiming to defend a conference title and reach NCAA regionals this spring. Proof that women's golf in this region has improved over the last 5-10 years. A mix of international and American players dot each roster.
Some of these teams hope their young players grow into leadership roles, move up the rankings and gain some invaluable experience, while other schools are priming themselves for a run at the top of many leaderboards and a trip to play against the best teams in the country.
Several local teams won events last fall. Maybe most impressive was Sacred Heart, which collected wins in half their events behind excellent play from Chantal El Chaib and a cadre of teammates who stepped up at different times.
As these teams emerge from indoor practice and simulators and begin to head south for some competition, let’s take a look at each Division 1 women’s program in New England — with a glance at where they stand in Golfstat’s national rankings.