The women’s golf team is aiming to make history this spring by becoming the first team to win three straight Northeast Conference (NEC) Titles in NEC Golf history. The team was picked to finish first in the 2024 NEC Women’s Golf Preseason Coaches Poll.
Head coach Matthew McGreevy said his expectations for this season is to see his team secure another conference championship. He spoke highly of his team and the talent they bring on the course.
“We are fortunate to have upperclassmen who bring a lot of leadership and buy into what we want to do,” said McGreevy. “We all have the same goal of winning.”
McGreevy also credited the skill of the underclassmen and their development to where they are now.
Senior Chantal El Chaib has thrived with the Pioneers, winning NEC Rookie of the Year in 2021, NEC Golfer of the Year last season, and was also named to NEC All First Team.
While she has already accomplished a lot in her golf career, El Chaib is looking to further her success even more this season.
“I want to win more tournaments as an individual, but also as a team,” said El Chaib. “I hope to win the conference again and go back-to-back as an individual, it’s my last year so I want to make the most out of it and enjoy the season.”
The Pioneers have a lot on their agenda this season, but they have a chance to make history by becoming the first team in program history to win three consecutive championships.
Graduate student Kailee Welch discussed the potential milestone for the Pioneers, and how important it would be, not only for herself, but for everyone associated with the team.
“Winning two titles in a row was a great accomplishment, and hopefully getting a three-peat this year would be even better for us,” Welch said. “We’ve come so far with our team and having the same top six, top seven travel with us for the past two years, we’ve gotten closer as a team and are able to overcome anything.”
Welch has also been a big contributor to the team, earning a spot on the All First Team NEC last season. Her veteran leadership is crucial in the team’s journey of winning three consecutive NEC championships.
“We have a big target on our backs these past two years, and I feel like this year’s definitely going to be a major competition, even more than going back-to- back last year,” Welch said.
The women’s golf team aims to uphold a positive outlook in the midst of their eventful season.
“There’s a greater expectation with everybody looking to beat us,” said McGreevy. “I think we have the team to do it, I’m confident in the way we play and the way we prepare.We’re going to do our best to bring home a third championship.”
The Pioneers will have their hands full, facing off against William & Mary at the Kingsmill Intercollegiate from Sunday, March 24 to Tuesday, March 26.
SHU will also match up against LaSalle University at the Prospect Bay Intercollegiate from Thursday, March 28 to Saturday, March 30 at the Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville, Md.
