Buena Vista, Va. — The Southern Virginia University women's golf team concluded its 2025 spring season with a host of program-best achievements, highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the USA South Women's Golf Championship and a jump to No. 53 in the national rankings—marking the highest final ranking in team history.
The Knights' growth was driven by a strong core of returning players and the immediate impact of a talented freshman class. While the team lost just three players from last year's roster, the additions of newcomers like Lexi Leavitt, Addie Branham, and Ari Judd elevated the program to new heights.
Southern Virginia claimed two tournament victories during the year and posted a three-round team score of 995 (+131) at the conference championship, finishing behind perennial powerhouses Huntingdon, Piedmont, and Methodist.
"This group has proven to be our highest-ranked team ever," said Head Coach Blair Garner. "If we can continue improving our consistency, there's no doubt we can contend for a conference championship next season."
Leading the charge was sophomore Sydney Richards, who had a breakout year, averaging 75.6 strokes per round—a new program record. She also set the school's 36-hole record with a -2 performance at The Greenbrier and ranked 63rd nationally, the highest individual ranking ever for a Knight. Richards became the program's first-ever First Team All-Conference selection, reflecting her dominance throughout the season.
Freshman Lexi Leavitt made her own mark, earning USA South Rookie of the Year honors and contributing consistently across the board. Fellow freshman Halle Western tied for the third-lowest round in school history with a 72, while CC Banz, returning from missionary service in January, quickly made a difference, opening her season with a 73—tied for the sixth-best score in team history.
Rookies Addie Branham, Lexi Leavitt, and Ari Judd were all named USA South Rookies of the Week during the season, showcasing the depth of the program.
Senior Maura Hawkes, who joined the team two years ago, capped off her collegiate career by earning the USA South Sportsmanship Award, honoring her leadership and dedication on and off the course.
As the Knights look ahead, the 2025 season stands as another chapter in the rise of Southern Virginia women's golf—a team that's not only breaking records but building momentum for conference competition in the seasons to come.
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