2009 Women's Golf Team

The 2009 Women’s Golf Team were Region XI Champions and finished 12th at the NJCAA National Tournament. They had a team GPA of 3.5, which was the 3rd highest in the nation and 4 out 5 girls were Academic All- Region performers and NJCAA Academic All-Americans. The members of the 2009 Women’s Golf Team are: Lauren Hartman, Katie Heddinger, Abby Hohensee, Ricca (Soper) Watt, and April Christine Wolf. 

Some of the athlete’s fondest memories include: spring break trips, the awards banquet at the NJCAA Women’s Golf National Tournament and traveling to the state capitol with Student Senate. But their most memorable moment was their trip to the NJCAA National Tournament in Daytona Beach, Florida. The trip started off right by having a delayed flight in Minneapolis, then missing their flight in Atlanta, and then arriving to Florida in the wee hours of the morning. The trip continued with them getting 17 inches of rain in 3 days. This, however, allowed the girls to explore the area a little more and spend time bonding with one another and their chaperone, Sarah Stokes. This trip will forever be a very proud moment for these athletes. 

Coach Dan Soper was a huge influence to all 5 athletes. Coach Soper not only did a great job teaching them golf techniques, but also life lessons. He wanted his athletes to be well rounded people who never gave up on themselves. He was a great role model for the girls and emphasized the importance of family. 

Coach Soper had this to say about the 2009 Women’s Golf Team, “I am so very pleased that this group of young ladies are being honored for their accomplishments at Iowa Lakes. Their success didn’t come by chance, it was a result of hard work, preparation, integrity, and a willingness to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Hats off to all of you, it was a privilege and honor to be your coach.”

After graduation, the girls all went their separate ways. April attended Iowa State University, Lauren and Katie attended the University of Northern Iowa, Abby attended Waldorf College to play golf, and Ricca attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha to play golf.  

All of the girls would like to thank their families for all of the support they have shown over the years and always pushing them to be better. 

The athletes are very thankful and honored to be inducted into the Laker Hall of Fame. Being a part of the Laker golf team and the trip to Nationals is something that they will never forget. Having the honor of being in the Laker Hall of Fame makes this memory and time of their lives a little sweeter.

Congratulations to the 2009 Women’s Golf Team on being named to the Laker Athletic Hall of Fame.