, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Kendra St. Marie, a freshman golfer from Killingly, Connecticut, made a remarkable debut at the Hartford Hawks Women’s Invitational by earning the Conference of New England (CNE) Rookie of the Week title. Despite challenging weather conditions, she shot a team-low score of 86 (+16), finishing 16th overall. The Hawks placed sixth as a team, showcasing a blend of returning talent and new recruits. St. Marie’s performance signals a promising future for the Hawks as they prepare for their upcoming fall tournaments.
Hartford — Freshman Kendra St. Marie Steals the Spotlight as CNE Rookie of the Week
Big debut. Bad weather. A bright sign for the Hawks.
Golf fans got a little extra drama over the weekend when Kendra St. Marie, a freshman from Killingly, Conn., earned the Conference of New England (CNE) Rookie of the Week nod after the Hartford Hawks Women’s Invitational. It was one of those opening-weekend stories that feels part underdog, part promise—exactly the kind of thing that keeps fans talking.
The Hawks wrapped up their season-opening event in a solid sixth-place team showing. Weather played a big role: windy, soggy conditions cut the field’s rounds short, so individual scores came with an asterisk of sorts. Still, in the one round that counted for her, St. Marie shot the team low score of 86 (+16). That effort landed her 16th overall out of a 47-player field, a tidy result for a freshman playing her first collegiate tournament.
For anyone who follows college golf, that kind of freshman debut matters. It’s not just the number on the scorecard—though an 86 in tricky weather says she can hold her own—it’s also the boost it gives the roster. The Hawks have added four freshmen to the program for the 2025 season, and St. Marie’s play is exactly the kind of start coaches want to see when integrating new talent.
Line-up and leadership
The Hawks roster mixes youth and experience. Six returners from last year provide stability, led by graduate student Tessa Susco, senior Julia Smith, and juniors Charlee Nagle and Abigail Crabtree. That veteran core should help bring the freshmen along, especially when the fall schedule heats up.
What’s next
After this weekend’s event, the Hawks head north for the George Phinney Invitational on September 20–21 in Middlebury, Vermont. That’s their next chance to test the depth of the roster and see how the newcomers settle into college competition.
Back at home, the Hawks have four fall tournaments on the calendar. Already on the slate are the University of Hartford Women’s Invitational on September 6, the Battle at Bull’s Bridge on October 7, and the Conference of New England Championship on October 11. Home events are always a boost—the men’s team has also set its sights on qualifying for NCAA play, and players have been clear that hosting events gives everyone a lift.
About the conference
The Conference of New England has a bit of history and a recent refresh. Originally founded in 1984 as the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), the league was reconstituted in 2024 under the CNE banner. Today the conference includes 11 full members and five associate members, and it emphasizes creating a positive, competitive experience for student-athletes across the region.
Why this matters to golf fans
College golf fans can pick plenty to follow here. A freshman earning Rookie of the Week in her first event hints at future storylines—will she keep climbing on leaderboards? Can the returning core and incoming class push the Hawks deeper into conference contention? Big questions like those are what make early-season tournaments so interesting. Weather-shortened events, strong individual debuts, and a busy fall schedule all add up to a season worth watching.
FAQ
Q: Who is Kendra St. Marie?
A: Kendra St. Marie is a freshman golfer from Killingly, Connecticut, who earned CNE Rookie of the Week after posting the team low 86 (+16) in her only round at the Hartford Hawks Women’s Invitational.
Q: How did the Hartford Hawks finish at the Invitational?
A: The Hawks finished in sixth place as a team at the season-opening tournament.
Q: Why did St. Marie only play one round?
A: Inclement weather shortened the tournament, so St. Marie’s 86 was her only counting round.
Q: When and where is the team’s next event?
A: The Hawks will compete next at the George Phinney Invitational on September 20–21 in Middlebury, Vermont.
Q: What is the Conference of New England?
A: The CNE, reconstituted in 2024, began in 1984 as the Commonwealth Coast Conference. It now includes 11 full members and five associates and focuses on student-athlete experience.
Q: Who are some returning Hawks to watch?
A: Notable returners include graduate student Tessa Susco, senior Julia Smith, and juniors Charlee Nagle and Abigail Crabtree.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Player honored | Kendra St. Marie (Freshman, Killingly, CT) |
| Award | Conference of New England Rookie of the Week |
| Season-opening score | 86 (+16) — team low in single round |
| Finish at Invitational | Hawks placed 6th; St. Marie 16th of 47 |
| Next event | George Phinney Invitational — Sept 20–21 (Middlebury, VT) |
| Home events | University of Hartford Invitational (Sept 6), Battle at Bull’s Bridge (Oct 7), CNE Championship (Oct 11) — among four fall tournaments |
| Conference | Conference of New England (reconstituted 2024; founded 1984 as CCC) — 11 full + 5 associate members |
| Roster note | Four freshmen added for 2025 season; six returners including Susco, Smith, Nagle, Crabtree |
That’s the snapshot for now. Keep an eye on St. Marie and the Hawks as the fall unfolds—early signs point to a season with a few storylines worth following.
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Additional Resources
- Hartford Hawks: St. Marie Debuts as CNE Rookie of the Week
- Hartford Hawks: Women’s Golf Ready to Swing into 2025 Season
- NBC Connecticut: Geno Auriemma’s Charity Golf Tournament Returns
- WTHN: Women and Girls Participate in Self-Defense Training
- Bentley Falcons: Women’s Golf Wins First Tournament at Hartford
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Women’s Golf
- Google Scholar: Women’s Golf Competition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Women’s Golf Tournaments
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