, September 6, 2025
News Summary
The Hartford women’s golf program is poised for an impressive season characterized by depth and competition. With returning players and a new class of freshmen, the team aims for stronger performances. Under head coach Pete Stankavich, the Hawks will rely on seasoned veterans while welcoming new talent to enhance their competitive edge. Familiarity with local courses will benefit their strategy. Key upcoming tournaments, including their home opener on September 6, promise thrilling action and intense competition.
Hartford — Hawks Ready to Turn Up the Heat for 2025 Women’s Golf Season
The Hartford women’s golf program is gearing up for a season that promises more depth, more competition, and sharper results. After a year of improvement, the team is returning a core group of players while adding four new faces to the lineup. Expect tighter leaderboards, home-course familiarity, and a push for both conference and NCAA relevance as the fall schedule arrives.
Fresh Faces Mean Sharper Competition
Head coach Pete Stankavich answered the roster call by bringing in a quartet of freshmen to expand the squad and elevate internal competition. The incoming class includes Maris Brayan from Trumbull, Conn., Leah Petruzzi from Southington, Conn., Lily Sprister from Rutland, Mass., and Kendra St. Marie from Killingly, Conn. These newcomers are expected to push returners in practice and provide more lineup flexibility come tournament time.
Experience Returns — Steady Hands for Tight Moments
Hartford returns six student-athletes from last season, giving the roster a blend of experience and youth. Among the returners is graduate student Tessa Susco of Plainville, Conn., who logged 18 rounds last year with an average score of 99.8. Susco has taken on a leadership role, focused on setting standards, holding teammates accountable, and leading by example.
Senior Julia Smith, also from Plainville, Conn., played 15 rounds with an average of 94.3 in the previous season. Smith brings veteran poise to the roster and is keyed in on helping the squad chase both conference qualification and NCAA opportunities. Junior Charlee Nagle of Cheshire, Conn., was a fixture in every tournament last season and finished with a 97.2 scoring average; she’s excited about competing on familiar turf when Hartford hosts home events. Another reliable returner, junior Abigail Crabtree from Bellport, N.Y., posted 18 rounds with an average of 100.5.
Home Turf, Familiar Greens
One of the season highlights for the team is having multiple home events at known courses. Comfort with local layouts will be an advantage, particularly during the fall slate, where routine and course knowledge can swing a tournament. The Hawks are slated to host four tournaments during the fall season — a schedule that gives them plenty of chances to fine-tune competitive routines and take advantage of home-course familiarity.
Key Dates to Circle
- Season kickoff: University of Hartford Women’s Invitational at Keney Park — September 6
- Battle at Bull’s Bridge: October 7
- Conference of New England Championship: October 11
- Fall hosting schedule: Four tournaments total, including the three events above
What to Watch This Season
Watch for internal battles for starting spots now that the roster is deeper. Expect tighter qualifying numbers, as competition in practice usually translates to lower scores on tournament days. Leadership from the returners will be vital, but the newcomers could push the lineup in surprising ways. The combination of veterans who know the course and freshmen hungry to make immediate impact makes this a roster to watch.
Stay Connected
For ongoing updates, results, and schedule adjustments, fans can follow Hartford Athletics on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the 2025 season begin for Hartford women’s golf?
A: The season kicks off with the University of Hartford Women’s Invitational at Keney Park on September 6.
Q: How many new players joined the team?
A: Four freshmen have been added to the roster to boost competition and depth.
Q: Which returners should fans keep an eye on?
A: Key returners include graduate student Tessa Susco, senior Julia Smith, and juniors Charlee Nagle and Abigail Crabtree — all bring valuable tournament experience.
Q: How many tournaments will Hartford host this fall?
A: The program will host four tournaments during the fall season, including home events and conference play.
Q: Where can I follow scores and updates?
A: Follow the team’s official social channels on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for live updates and results.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Pete Stankavich |
| Returners of note | Tessa Susco (Grad) — 18 rounds, 99.8 average; Julia Smith (Sr) — 15 rounds, 94.3 average; Charlee Nagle (Jr) — 97.2 average; Abigail Crabtree (Jr) — 18 rounds, 100.5 average |
| Incoming freshmen | Maris Brayan (Trumbull, CT); Leah Petruzzi (Southington, CT); Lily Sprister (Rutland, MA); Kendra St. Marie (Killingly, CT) |
| Home opener | University of Hartford Women’s Invitational — Keney Park — Sept 6 |
| Fall events to note | Battle at Bull’s Bridge — Oct 7; Conference of New England Championship — Oct 11; plus two other home-hosted tournaments |
| Where to follow | Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube |
With a deeper roster and a mix of seasoned competitors and hungry newcomers, the Hartford women’s golf team is set for a fall that could reshape expectations. Golf fans should mark their calendars and tune in — the season looks ready to deliver drama on the green.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Hartford Hawks: Women’s Golf Ready to Swing into 2025 Season
- Bentley Falcons: Women’s Golf Heads to Hartford for 2025-26 Opener
- Hartford Hawks: Women’s Golf Finishes 5th in Spring Invitational
- Fox 61: Journey to the LPGA Tour Goes Through Connecticut
- Hartford Hawks: Hawks Take on the Jack Leaman Invitational
- Wikipedia: Women’s Golf
- Google Search: Women’s Golf
- Google Scholar: Women’s Golf
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Golf
- Google News: Women’s Golf
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