Just how quickly do things change in the college golf world? Consider the Arizona State women's golf team, which this week posted on
its Facebook page that they would be holding a walk-on qualifier for all enrolled ASU students Aug. 30 at ASU's Karsten Course (1 p.m. if you're interesting in giving it a shot).
Recall the following chronology:
* In May 2009,
Melissa Luellen's crew wins the NCAA title after several years of strong teams stumbling at nationals.
* Last fall, the Sun Devils have a roster of nine and are considered contenders to repeat as national champs.
* After finishing fourth at CC of Landfall in May 2010, the roster turns over with senior
Juliana Murcia graduating and two others,
Rebecca Schneider and
Marie Simonsen deciding to transfer (Schneider, a walk-on, went to a school where she received a scholarship offer). Meanwhile, Luellen chose not to invite
Alessia Knight and
Larissa Eruera back for 2010-11, dismissing them for violating team rules.
* In June,
Jennifer Johnson announces that rather than return to Tempe for the start of her sophomore season in the fall, she is turning pro.
Luellen, now with three players left in
Carlota Ciganda,
Jaclyn Sweeney and
Giulia Molinaro, has
Laura Blanco signed to a letter of intent and trying to be ready to enroll for the fall. Two other players are expected to arrive in January as well, filling out the roster for the spring semester but making the walk-on try out logical alternative for the fall.
Lewis, from Shawnee, Okla., reportedly was alone, driving home from a All-State golf tournament in Broken Arrow, Okla. Earlier in the day, Lewis was awarded the Jim Thorpe Boys Golfer of the Year trophy from the Oklahoma Golf Coaches Association as the state's top male golfer.
