The LSU women’s golf team set the bar high for its 2012-2013 recruiting class after receiving a letter of intent from two-time Louisiana state champion Elise Bradley on Nov. 9.
Bradley entered her last season at Mandeville with an already prestigious record. She won the 2009 and 2010 state high school golf championships.
She also captured the 2010 and 2011 Louisiana Golf Association state junior crowns, after finishing runner-up in both 2008 and 2009.
Bradley’s consistent successes at the high school level will translate into an impressive college career, said LSU coach Karen Bahnsen.
“She’s got a good future,” Bahnsen said. “She’s the best player in the state, and we’re very excited to have her on the team.”
Bahnsen said that while Bradley doesn’t have the national experience shared by the Lady Tigers, her natural abilities will allow her to get acclimated to the increased competition levels.
In addition to her high school championship wins, Bradley also won the 2010 LGA women’s amateur championship in Coushatta, La.
Bahnsen cited Bradley’s approach to challenges and thirst for victory as other reasons for recruiting her.
“She’s got a very good work ethic and she’s also very competitive,” Bahnsen said. “I think she’s going to be a great addition.”
The No. 6 Lady Tigers performed well in the fall, winning the Cougar Classic and the Tar Heel Invitational.
The departure of senior standouts Jacqueline Hedwall and Tessa Teachman will make Bradley’s arrival all the more important, according to Bahnsen.
“She’s going to be a big help in continuing what we’ve started with our current team,” she said.
The Lady Tigers wrapped up their fall campaign with a 15th place finish at the Mercedes-Benz SEC/PAC-12 Challenge in Knoxville, Tenn. They start off the 2012 spring season abroad at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic in Rio Grande, P.R.
 
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Contact Morgan Wampold at [email protected]