WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace College's women's golf team is set to tee off the 2025 season and start their national title defense.

The Lancers lost just two seniors from last year's squad, which had one of the best seasons in program history. Grace won the NCCAA National Title for the second time and junior Brette Hanavan also became the second Lancer player to win the individual national championship. Grace head coach Denny Duncan was also named the NCCAA Coach of the Year for the second time in his career.

"We had extremely strong senior leadership last year," commented Duncan. "We will definitely miss their presence, but it has been exciting to watch this year's seniors step into that role without needing any encouragement from me."

The Lancers will return seven players this year and the majority of their starting lineup from a year ago. Returning players include Camille Short who was named to the All-Crossroads League in her freshman season. Hanavan, Grace Beerman and Trinity Bramer were all NCCAA All-Americans. Other returners include Reagan Clifton and Raigan King.

"The beginning of the year is always an exciting time," Duncan added. "I think this year even more so because we have so many returning players. This team is so close already and have demonstrated a desire to improve and grow spiritually."

The Lancers also added two freshmen, Lexi Kelley and Ava Thomas, to a talented roster which set numerous records last year, including the lowest single round score in program history (296).

"We have high hopes for our freshman," Duncan noted. "We are also excited about sophomore Kiley Standring who saw limited playing opportunities last year. We expect all three of these players to make a significant impact this year."

The Lancers will start the season on August 29 at the IU East Invitational. The Lancers have seven tournaments scheduled this fall with the NCCAA National Tournament starting on October 20.

"Our goals always include having each player demonstrate improvement throughout the year and winning the NCCAA National tournament and qualifying for the NAIA National tournament." Duncan said. "This is a special group of ladies, I am so excited to see how we improve throughout the year as we seek to accomplish these goals."