Maryville women’s golf closes record-breaking fall season

By Charlsie McElhaney \ Nov. 3, 2026

As the fall season comes to a close, the Maryville College women’s golf is celebrating a record-breaking season. In just their second year competing in the Southern Athletic Association (SAA), the Lady Scots finished the fall ranked No. 66 nationally, giving head coach Jesse Lawley plenty to be proud of. For Lawley, the accomplishments of this year’s five-player team are only the beginning.

“It’s so hard to put into words the smile I get telling others about all that my girls are accomplishing right now,” Lawley said.

Golf is both a team and an individual sport, and throughout the fall, each Lady Scot had their own moment to shine.

One of the team’s standout performances came at the Rhodes Invitational in Memphis, Tennessee, where the Lady Scots broke two team records: the 18-hole (+23) and 36-hole (+59) scoring records. Emma Grace Clonan (’27) added to the historic weekend by setting a new individual low-round record (+2) on the second day of the tournament.

“Seeing all the girls contribute to the new single-day team record in Memphis was so special,” Lawley said.

Clonan’s achievement broke the individual record (+3) previously set by Mallory Higgins (’29) during her freshman year. For Clonan, setting a new record in her senior season made the accomplishment even more meaningful.

“There’s something wonderful that happens when you’re a senior, and you get to really see all of the effects of four years of hard work,” Clonan said. 

The record-breaking performance was a team effort, with underclassmen and upperclassmen alike making significant strides. In just her third collegiate round, Addison Smith (’30) carded a career-best 77. Sydney Rodgers (’28), who recently received medical release to return after shoulder surgery, also recorded a collegiate best, shooting an 80.

Higgins and Charlsie McElhaney (’29) have continued to make progress since their first year, each lowering their scoring average by three strokes.

When asked which skill the team had improved the most, Lawley’s answer was immediate: course management.

Lawley credited the players’ work both on and off the course for their progress. From team meetings and course preparation to asking thoughtful questions, the Lady Scots have put in the work necessary to improve their decision-making and consistency.

“The team is learning to play the game efficiently, not just swing well,” Lawley said.

That growth will continue beyond the tournament season. As the team enters the offseason, its focus will shift toward physical conditioning and strength training. Lawley acknowledged that working out may be a familiar offseason goal, but she emphasized the importance of discipline and continued individual development as the players prepare for the spring.

The Lady Scots will open their spring season in February at the Centre College Classic. Their goal is clear: Win a tournament. Lawley believes the team has been “knocking at the door” and is ready to turn its recent progress into a breakthrough as it builds momentum toward the SAA Championship in April.

For Lawley, the end of the fall season brings mixed emotions. Although she will miss the time spent with her players, she is excited about what lies ahead.

“I’ll miss the banter, the van rides and the time on the course,” Lawley said.

With a record-breaking fall behind them, the Lady Scots enter the spring with confidence, momentum and higher expectations. They have already shown what they can accomplish together. Now, as they set their sights on a tournament victory and the conference championship, they have an opportunity to turn another season of progress into something even greater.

The Lady Scots have spent the fall knocking at the door. This spring, they’re ready to walk through it.