July 1, 2020 ST. LOUIS – This summer has some highpoints even in the midst of Covid-19, as Southern Illinois women’s golf freshman Ayanna Habeel was named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year on June 30, according to https://siusalukis.com/.
The 5’7″ sophomore said, “I am honored to have been named the MVC Newcomer of the Year, while I am sad that our season was canceled due to COVID-19, I am glad my hard work and dedication toward the goals I’d set for myself with my coaches didn’t go unnoticed. I’m extremely blessed and look forward to what the future holds.”
In her personal statement of the 2019 recruiting profile, Habeel said to Next College Recruiting Athlete (NCRA):
“I would like to play for a coach that will help me to continue to grow as a person and continue to develop my golf game. I want to graduate with a degree in Finance, I want to earn All Conference, All America and help lead the team to a NCAA Championship. I feel that I have a winning attitude and a proven record for success in golf. I am very humble and willing to learn to improve my game which I believe will help the team reach its goal. What I will bring to the team is a quiet leadership, meaning my work ethics will show the older girls I’m all-in as a team player!!”
Habeel, a Decatur (Ga.) resident, had five Top-25 finishes through six tournaments this season. Carding a season low 71 in her first collegiate tournament, Ayanna finished tied for 20th at the Redbird Invitational and never looked back. Habeel improved each tournament to end the year with an average of 76.69.
“I am happy and excited for Ayanna,” said SIU head coach Danielle Kaufmann. “She has so much talent and deserves this award. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”
Habeel is the second player in program history to earn the honor since teammate Moyea Russell in 2018.
