Ellen Spigner and Lowell Stephens received top honors at the Great American Conference's annual awards for women's golf, with Spigner being named Player of the Year and Stephens Coach of the Year. Spigner concluded her standout college career by becoming a four-time All-GAC selection and the first GAC Player of the Year for Arkansas Tech since 2021. Under Stephens' leadership, the Golden Suns are ranked No. 31 nationally and hold the top spot in the Central Region. The team made a return to national competition after years, thanks to a strong season and coaching performance.

By the Numbers
  • Ellen Spigner has a 73.4 stroke average and 24 career rounds under par.
  • Lowell Stephens led the team to a national ranking of No. 31 and the No. 1 spot in the Central Region.
Yes, But

While Spigner's achievements are notable, the pressure to maintain high performance levels will be significant as the team looks to replicate their success in future seasons. Coaches might challenge Stephens to sustain the program's momentum now that it has achieved regional and national recognition.

State of Play
  • The Golden Suns are currently ranked No. 1 in both the NCAA Central Region and the Scoreboard powered by clippd rankings.
  • Spigner has won three tournaments this season and set multiple records at Tech for rounds under par.
What's Next

The Golden Suns will be aiming to build on their successful season in upcoming tournaments, with a focus on performing well at the GAC Championship and maximizing their potential in future national competitions.

Bottom Line

Spigner's recognition as Player of the Year and Stephens' accolade as Coach of the Year reflect not just a successful season but set high expectations for Arkansas Tech moving forward. Their accomplishments provide a strong foundation for future growth and success in women's golf.