Dec. 5, 2008

Coach Beth Harrelson announced today the University of Memphis women's golf team has signed three players for next year. Sarah Mathews (Memphis, Tenn./St. Agnes Academy), Julia Hodgson (Unionville, Ontario/Markham District High School), and Alex Aläng (Tullinge, Sweden/Igelstavikens Gymnasium) have all signed National Letters of Intent to play golf at the U of M.

Sarah Mathews, a Memphis native, has been a household name in prep golf for over four years now. She is a three-time qualifier for the Optimist International Junior Championship. She was also a finalist for the Commercial Appeal's "Best of the Preps" four years in a row (2005-2008). In addition to all her golf accolades, Sarah is a member of the National Honor Society and has been elected as the sophomore and junior class president in her high school.

"I've known Sarah for almost five years now," said Lady Tiger head coach Beth Harrelson. "She has consistently shown the capability of shooting low numbers, which is something that is crucial in college golf. I'm also excited to get a local player on the team. Hopefully, it will energize some of the base here in Memphis."

Hodgson has been the captain of her high school golf team for three years now. She held a scoring average of 77 strokes per round this past season and currently holds a handicap of two. She was a member of the 2007 CJGA (Canadian Junior Golf Association) Stephen Ames Canada Ryder Cup team that went 3-0. She also won the 2007 CJGA Nike Qualifier.

"Julia will add a lot of experience to our team," said Coach Harrelson. "She's competed in the team format before and that really matters in college. I expect her to contribute to the team immediately. Also, at her high school, she is a participant in the accelerated sports program. I think that because of that program, she will make the transition to college golf and college life easier than some others."

Aläng is the 85th ranked junior girl in Sweden. She plays tournaments on the Skandia Junior Tour, which is the Swedish National Junior Tour. She currently holds a scoring average of 79.1 strokes per round, with a low round of 72. On the SJT, she has finished in the top-10 five times, with a low finish of second.

"Alex is unique because she's used to playing college length courses," said Harrelson. "In Sweden, the courses they play in high school are of similar length to the ones we play in college. Because of that, I don't think she'll have much of a problem making an adjustment. She's also very strong and athletic and loves to work out. I think she'll be a great asset to the team."

"I'm extremely excited about this class as a whole," said Harrelson. "I expect all three to come in and contribute almost immediately. Also, I think it will spark some competition with the players that we already have here. And, that's always good because then they can drive each other to get better. This class should also take the Lady Tiger golf program to the next level."