Women's Golf Adds Five to 2024 Class
11/9/2023 11:54:00 AM | Women's Golf
The Kent State Women's Golf Program is adding five signees to its 2024 class.
Isabella Goyette
Hometown: Medina, OH
Goyette is an in-state product coming in from Highland high school. She finished as the runner up at the Ohio State Championships in 2023. Goyette also was crowned the champion of the Hudson Junior Invitational, qualified for the USGA Girls Jr. Amateur Championship, and made a semifinal appearance in the WOSGA State Amateur.
The current high school senior has the greatest statistical season in Medina County history, and has put up 18 rounds in the 60s in her career.
"Isabella has all the tools to be a top-level college golfer," said Head Coach Casey VanDamme. "We have been impressed with her speed, natural athleticism, putting, and her mental approach throughout the recruiting process," said VanDamme.
Emma Višnovská
Hometown: Prešov, Slovakia
Emma Višnovska is joining the Flashes after having notable success in her home country of Slovakia. Višnovská competes for the Lomincky golf club and has had a number of recent achievements on the golf course the last few years.
The Golden Flashes commit won the 1st place trophy at the Slovak Ladies Club, placed 3rd at the SKGA Junior Tour, and recorded a 12th place finish for the European Ladies Club Trophy. The Slovakian native also led her school to two top three finishes for Slovak Secondary Schools the past three years, placing 2nd in 2021 and 3rd in 2023. She is noted to hit her driver over 103 MPH.
Višnovská is a three sport athlete playing basketball and tennis along with golf. Both of her parents played basketball collegiately, with her father playing professionally.
"Emma is physically gifted," said Head Coach Casey VanDamme. "Her compression of the ball at impact is world-class. She has demonstrated her ability to improve rapidly, and we look forward to helping her continue to develop," said VanDamme.
Petra Babicova
Hometown: Presov, Slovakia
Petra Babicova joins Emma Višnovská as the other Slovakian to commit to Kent State's Women's Golf. She brings an immense amount of international experience.
Babicova competed in a professional event and took 37th in the LET Access at the Amundi Czech Ladies Challenge. She notched 1st place finishes in the Slovak Junior Amateur Championship, the Faldo Series Slovakia Championship, and the SKGA Tour IV WAGR. Babicova also recorded a 2nd place finish at the SKGA Junior Tour IV WAGR.
"Petra has represented the Slovak national team numerous times and has remarkable international golf experience," said Head Coach Casey VanDamme. "She is an incredible ball striker and has a game that will translate well to the collegiate level," said VanDamme.
Aryn Matthews
Hometown: Little Britain, Ontario
Aryn Matthews heads to Kent State after a number of notable accomplishments in her home country of Canada. Matthews was the runner up at Ontario Women's Match Play, and placed 2nd Place at Golf Canada Next Gen.
The past few years, Matthews has collected two 3rd place finishes at the Ontario Women's Golf Championships, one in the U19 division, and the other in the U17 division.
Matthews attends Port Perry High School and also plays volleyball.
"Aryn has significantly improved in the past few years," said Head Coach Casey VanDamme. "Her work ethic, long game, and desire to continue to improve set her apart in the recruiting process. Her best is yet to come and we are excited to be a part of her journey," said VanDamme.
Gracie Larsen
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Larsen commits to Kent State from Australia. Back in 2021, Larsen was the winner of the U16s Junior Open. The future Golden Flash also won the Victoria Peninsula District Championship with a first round score of three under and placed runner up at the Sorrento Open.
Larsen was a member of the U18 Victorian State Team, going undefeated and winning a state title. Along with Golf, Larsen also plays Australian football, basketball, and softball.
"Gracie comes highly recommended from Golf Australia," said Head Coach Casey VanDamme. "Her speed and ball striking are her strengths. Her passion to become the greatest golfer she can be is exactly what we are looking for," said VanDamme.
VanDamme's Thoughts on The 2024 Class:
"It's a great day for Kent State women's golf!", said Head Coach Casey VanDamme. "We are thrilled with the signing of these great young ladies and confident this class will make a significant impact on the program for years to come. Most importantly, we are excited about who they are as people and how their values align with our program."
"Special thanks to former assistant Maggie Murphy for helping to identify and land this incredible class."
"Great days like this are a time to say how appreciative we are to all the alumni, former coaches, SID's, academic support, training staff, strength staff, and donors. All of you make Kent State a great place and played a critical role in making our golf program a success. Go Flashes!"
