Pictured Lahela Delaney ‘21. Photo courtesy of Mount Holyoke Athletics.
By Gigi Picard ’22
Staff Writer
On Sept. 10, Director of Athletics Lori Hendricks announced the elimination of the Mount Holyoke Golf varsity team in a statement published on the Mount Holyoke athletics department website.
Hendricks cited the decision as coming “after an extensive review of many factors, including student interest, indoor practice needs, competitive season, coaching support and conference alignment.” According to her, “This decision will allow the Department of Physical Education and Athletics to reallocate the resources from the program to support the broader-reaching priorities of the departmental strategic plan, enhancing the overall student-athlete experience at Mount Holyoke.”
In its 2019-2020 season, the golf team competed in five tournaments between September and October. Their final tournament, the NYU Invitational, took place on Oct. 5, 2019, at the Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield, New Jersey. The Lyons placed fifth overall out of nine teams, with a finish of 690 strokes. Mount Holyoke Golf was expected to participate in more tournaments last April; however, the cancellation of Mount Holyoke varsity sports due to COVID-19 regulations prevented the team from competing.
Further in the announcement, Hendricks shared more information about the golf team’s history. “The program’s history dates back to the 1975-76 academic year and will be remembered through the student-athletes that have excelled among the nation’s top competition and multiple appearances at the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament,” Hendricks wrote. “Mount Holyoke College will continue to honor the history of the program, its tremendous golf alums and committed coaches.”
With regard to the Mount Holyoke Golf home course, The Orchards Golf Club, Mount Holyoke students, staff and alumni will still be able to use the course even after the discontinuation of the golf team.
Hendricks sent an email regarding the decision to all members within Mount Holyoke Athletics, including student-athletes, on Sept. 17. The College also officially released the same information to the public on Sept. 17, in an announcement which alluded to the possibility of further changes in the athletic department. The statement read, “As a direct follow-up to the strategic plan for Athletics, we will also be undertaking a comprehensive review of our Equestrian Center and initiating an academic program review of physical education.”