EUGENE, Ore. – As the Bushnell University women's golf team prepares for another season of competition, the Beacons enter the year with a strong foundation of returning talent, a pair of promising newcomers, and aspirations of climbing both the conference and national rankings.
 
Now entering his third year leading the program, Head Coach Shawn Brandt is excited about the growth, experience, and potential that this year's squad brings to the course.
 
"I'm looking forward to seeing this team grow and learn to compete at a high level," he said. "We play in a very competitive conference, which makes us better, pushes us to work hard in practice, and keeps us motivated to stay focused and prepared for our conference tournaments."
 
That competitive environment has helped shape a program that continues to develop each season. With much of the roster returning and familiar with the expectations of the program, the Beacons are positioned to take another step forward.
 
The Beacons have set ambitious goals for the 2026-27 campaign. "Our team goals are to climb in the national rankings and compete at the top of the CCC," Brandt explained. "We have several players capable of contending for tournament titles, and I'm excited to see how they develop throughout the season."
 
Meet the Beacons
 
With a veteran core returning to the lineup and talented young players joining the roster, Bushnell believes those goals are well within reach. The Beacons return five key contributors who have been instrumental in establishing the culture and identity of the program.
 
As she enters her final collegiate season, Jada Richwine is poised to cap off a standout career with a strong senior campaign. Brandt said, "Jada has been an influential player in helping build our team culture and accountability," said the coach. "I can always count on her being there for the team day in and day out."
 
Junior Kylee Smith has been the program's model of consistency over the last two years. Her steady play and high expectations have helped establish the standard for the women's golf program. "Kylee has been our most consistent player, and she remains highly focused while setting a high standard for our team," Coach Brandt said.
 
Another player with tremendous potential is Hailey Smith, whose athletic ability gives her one of the highest ceilings on the roster. "Hailey is our most athletically gifted player," Brandt noted. "As she continues to develop consistency and trust on the golf course, she has tremendous upside."

Junior Morgan Schlesinger continues to be one of the team's most influential leaders. Known for her work ethic and dedication to her teammates, Schlesinger has become a key part of the program's culture.
 
"Morgan is one of our hardest workers and has grown into a solid player," Brandt said. "She is also one of our most influential leaders when it comes to team building and relationships."
 
Sophomore Jaylee Hix has shown flashes of impressive potential and is beginning to find greater consistency in tournament play. Brandt said, "Jaylee has shown signs of going low during tournaments. As she continues trusting herself and enjoying the process, I believe success will follow, and she'll reach new heights on the golf course."
 
Fresh Faces, Bright Futures
 
The Beacons also welcome two freshmen who are expected to make an immediate impact.
 
Jordyn Lorence (Beaverton, Ore.), an All-Metro League honoree at Mountainside HS, arrives with extensive tournament experience and a skill set that could quickly make her one of the conference's rising competitors.
 
"Jordyn brings a lot of tournament experience," Brandt said. "I can see her climbing the ladder and becoming a consistent competitor in our conference."
 
Joining her is Autumn McDonald (Corvallis, Ore.) who led Crescent Valley HS to a pair of league championships. Her work ethic and positive attitude have already made an impression on the program. Brandt said, "Autumn is a very athletic player who works hard in practice. She has great upside and has bonded quickly with her teammates."
 
Season Outlook
 
The Beacons got off to a hot start in August as they dominated the season-opening Bushnell-Corban Dual with a 113-stroke victory over the Warriors. They opened the two-round tournament with a 322, just three strokes shy of the all-time record.
 
They began Cascade Conference action at the Oregon Tech Fall Invitational, finishing sixth as they posted a 329-337-666.
 
With experienced leaders, emerging talent, and a clear vision for continued growth, the Bushnell women's golf team enters the season with confidence and purpose. The Beacons know the road through the CCC will be challenging, but they embrace that challenge as an opportunity to improve.
 
As the season unfolds, Bushnell will look to build on the culture established by its veteran players while pushing toward higher conference finishes, improved national standing, and individual success on the course.
 
If the Beacons continue to develop at the pace their coaches expect, they could be well-positioned to make noise in the conference race and enter championship season playing their best golf of the year.
 
"Our players understand what is expected of them," the coach said. "They will rise to the occasion as we move through the season. I'm excited to see how it all ends when we compete at the Conference Championships in April."
 
UP NEXT: The Beacons head to Montana next week for the Beartooth Invitational, hosted by Rocky Mountain College at Laurel Golf Club.