Coertze Earns First All-America Award in Program History

William Penn Women’s Athletics

Oskaloosa–Demi Coertze (So., Johannesburg, South Africa, Digital Communication) wrapped up an unforgettable season for the Statesmen women’s golf team with one more bit of history as the NAIA Women’s Golf All-America Teams were announced Wednesday.

Coertze was named to the NAIA’s Third Team as a total of 45 players were honored (15 each on three teams). It is the first All-America accolade ever earned in William Penn women’s golf history.

“It is a great honor to receive such a prestigious award,” Coertze said. “It shows that all the hard work that I put in has paid off. I would have never achieved this, though, without the help of my team, family, and coaches; their support alone is reward enough.”

A first-team all-Midwest Collegiate Conference performer, the sophomore paced the Statesmen to their first conference title and first national tournament appearance.

Coertze improved exponentially this year, improving from an 80.8 stroke average in the fall to 78.0 in the spring for an overall 79.2 clip over 23.5 rounds. She placed first four times (all in the spring), had a total of ten top-five finishes, and tied for 22nd at NAIA Nationals. She tallied ten rounds in the 70s (seven in the spring), including a career low of 73 on the final day of nationals.

“Demi is a gifted athlete who happens to be equipped with the work ethic that will continue to make her better and better,” Head Coach Nik Rule said. “It is very rewarding to coach her; she has worked hard all year battling her biggest foe–her mental game. Her state of mind on the course improved greatly this year. She is the program’s first All-American and we are proud that she has deservingly received such an honor.”