Years from now, those researching the humble origins of Grace College’s women’s golf program won’t be able to avoid Sydney Abbott’s name.
Abbott was a senior at Center Grove when the first Lancers team began competition the 2015 season. Since the following year, she’s been a force ever since at Grace, an NAIA school in northern Indiana continuing its upward trajectory.
A psychology major, Abbott carries a 3.6 grade-point average. After graduating next May, she’ll go to graduate school to study occupational therapy.
Grace College coach Denny Duncan makes it a point to utilize Abbott’s social skills every time a recruit visits. Not just now, but since her freshman school year.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
"Sydney has been foundational to everything we’re going to accomplish," Duncan said. "Ever since she walked on campus, she’s been the No. 1 or No. 2 golfer. Just a really good player, student and leader. I can’t stop talking about what she’s meant to our program."
Duncan’s first team turned heads by placing a surprising sixth of nine teams at the Crossroads League championship. Abbott and Anna Marshall arrived as freshmen the following summer and have helped the Lancers break new ground each year.
"It was exciting. We were able to build the reputation we have now and be part of the ground floor," Abbott said. "This year is going to be our best year. We are really good and are really competitive. This is what we’ve been picturing since we got here."
Abbott and Marshall comprise the nucleus of a team Duncan believes could be ranked among the nation’s best in NAIA before the season is over.
Grace opened the season by winning the nine-team Trine Invitational in Angola. Marshall was individual runner-up with a 75, while Abbott did her part with a 78. Lancers freshman Lucy Young, a player Abbott helped recruit out of Center Grove, carded a 77 and has quickly emerged as a starter.
Over the weekend, Grace took fourth at the 12-team Indiana Wesleyan Invitational at Arbor Trace Golf Club in Marion. Abbott’s score of 75-79—154 placed her 15th individually; Young shot 79-82—161.
"It’s nice to have someone from your hometown on the team," Abbott said of Young. "We only played together one year in high school, so it’s been fun to see how Lucy has changed as a golfer and as a person. It’s been good to see how her golf game evolved."
