The Park University Women’s Golf program added two new athletes to its 2014-15 roster on National Signing Day Feb. 5.
Park signed Rachel Hoffman from Belton High School in Belton, Mo., and Lina Baquero from Cali, Columbia. Baquero is currently a sophomore at Dodge City Community College.
Hoffman is a four-year all-conference player in high school and is the captain of her team. Hoffman holds Belton High School’s nine-hole record from hitting a back-nine at the Missouri Sectional Tournament in Marshfield, Mo. Hoffman placed 10th at the tournament. Hoffman also took fourth place as a senior in Missouri District 5, qualifying her for the Class 2 State Championship. This event was located at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield. She also placed seventh at the William Chrisman/Truman Invitational last fall.
Women’s Golf Head Coach Steve Wilson said he thinks highly of Hoffman’s physical and academic talents.
“Rachel has all the potential to progress toward being a top player in this program by the time her four years are done at Park.,” said Wilson. “That intellect, along with her athletic ability, will make her a perfect fit in this program.”
With all the success that Hoffman has in golfing at Belton, she is also a four-year letter winner in swimming. Academically, she has her sights on majoring in accounting.
Hoffman has great spirits of longevity at Park University.
“The first time I stepped on campus, I knew it was where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life,” she said.
Baquero assisted the Dodge City Community College Conquistadors to a fall championship in the Jayhawk Conference in September. Baquero finished eighth in the 54-hole event with a two-day 139. Her best 54-hole score was 137 in the fall season placing her ninth individually at the Colby Community College event. This spring, Baquero will finish her eligibility at Dodge Community College with a five-tournament spring schedule.
“She has all the tools to help us become a better golf team,” said Wilson, “and she gets the most out of her practice sessions.”
Baquero explained her enthusiasm in becoming a Pirate.
“I am very excited to be a part of the Pirate family,” said Banquero. “I know it will be an enriching experience for me, and I will have the opportunity to learn new things, along with improving my game.”
Banquero will major in business at Park University.
Park University Golf Team has less than a month before their first spring event in the Ottawa Invitational. This will take place on March 10. The Pirates are scheduled to play in seven spring events in 2014. The American Midwest Conference Championship will be the conclusion, May 5-6 at Blytheville Country Club in Blytheville, Ark. Park University will host the 2014 Virginia McCoy Intercollegiate at The Deuce at The National Golf Club of Kansas City on April 7-8.
