Lady Hawks break new ground for women in collegiate golf while representing a historically Black university on a national stage
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) made history in November 2025 when its women golfers competed as an all-female team at the PGA University Championship Cup in Georgia, marking a significant milestone for the university and its PGA Golf Management program.
The Lady Hawks traveled to Atlanta to compete at Atlanta National Golf Club, bringing their talent and determination to a championship setting while demonstrating the growing presence of women in golf and professional golf education.
For G. Sean Schley, director of the UMES PGA Golf Management program, the occasion represented far more than another collegiate competition.
“It was a historic moment, because this is the only time in the history of the university championship that there has been an all-female team,” said Schley. “It was probably the highlight of my life.”
The achievement underscored UMES’s longstanding commitment to preparing students for careers in the golf industry while creating opportunities for aspiring professionals from historically underrepresented communities.
A Milestone for UMES and PGA Golf Education
UMES became the first historically Black college or university to join The PGA of America’s Golf Management University Program in 2008. The structured, four-and-a-half-year curriculum combines classroom instruction, internships and player development to prepare students for careers as PGA professionals.
The university’s appearance at the University Cup with an all-female team demonstrated the progress women continue to make in a sport where access, representation and professional development remain important issues.
For the players, the tournament also provided an opportunity to test their skills at a highly regarded golf venue and gain experience competing under championship conditions.
Charlene Pak, one of the UMES representatives, reflected candidly on her performance.
“I could have played better, but I think I played my best, and showcased all my abilities on the course that day.”
Her remarks reflected the competitive mindset of a collegiate golfer evaluating her performance while recognizing the importance of the opportunity itself.
Teammate Hailey Fisher also appreciated the chance to play at a prestigious venue.
“Getting that chance to play that course is always an honor, because it holds such a title in the golf industry.”
For student-athletes pursuing golf-related careers, experiences like these can contribute to their development both on the course and within the broader golf profession.
