University of Southern Indiana Women’s Golf announced that two incoming freshmen have signed national letters of intent to compete for the Screaming Eagles next fall. Abbey Leighty (Mt. Carmel, Illinois) and Grace Davis (Valparaiso, Indiana) are set to join USI and Head Coach Lu Anne Howerton in 2016-17.
“I am excited to add Abbey and Grace to our 2016 fall roster,” said Howerton. “They have some pretty big shoes to fill with us losing three of our top four players, but I am confident we are building a great future!”
Abbey Leighty is currently a senior at Mt. Carmel High School in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and is a three-time individual IHSA State Golf Tournament qualifier, finishing third in 2014 and 2015.
“Abbey is consistent and an excellent ball striker,” said Howerton. “She has finished at the top of the leader board in several major tournaments, gaining her the experience she needs to compete at the college level.”
Leighty has been a member of two consecutive Big 8 Conference Championship teams as well as three consecutive IHSA Regional Championships at Mt. Carmel. As a junior golfer, Lighty is a four-time Elks Regional Champion and has multiple Evansville Junior Golf Association victories.
A four-time letter winner at Chesterton High School (Chesterton, Indiana), Grace Davis finished her high school career with a 36th-place finish at the 2015 IHSAA State Tournament as an individual.
“Grace, a long ball hitter, has a great mental game which is hard to find, especially in a freshman.” said Howerton. “Putting together a great work ethic and the willingness to learn, Grace will be a strong addition to the line-up.”
As an individual, Davis finished her senior year with All-Area, All-Conference, and All-State accolades. CHS finished third at the state tournament after winning sectional and regional titles in 2015.
The Eagles resume their 2015-16 this spring.
