ARLINGTON, Tex. – Samantha Bruce of Seattle U women's golf has been selected by the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) as one of two representatives for the 2023 NCAA Women of the Year Award.
Bruce concluded her Seattle U career as arguably one of the best in school history, logging the program's best career scoring average (74.45), par or better rounds (22) and finish percentage (73.4%). Seattle U's 2022-23 Women's Student Athlete of the Year, Bruce became the first Redhawk to earn All-WAC First Team honors in back-to-back years, setting single-season records in stroke average (73.27), counting score (32 times/97%), made birdies (100) and par five scoring (4.7435).
"My SU student-athlete journey is a journey fueled by immeasurable potential," said Bruce. "It has been a privilege that comes with the responsibility to strive for greatness as individuals and as part of a remarkable team. I understand that true success goes beyond personal achievements and is achieved through collaboration, unity, and a commitment to academic excellence for service. By sharing my knowledge and skills for the greater good, I can make a meaningful and lasting impact in the world."
The native of Makati City, Philippines, excelled in the classroom, earning WGCA All-American Scholar and Academic All-WAC three-times and Academic All-District after the 2022-23 season. Bruce also collaborated with the Mockingbird Society, a non-profit organization, to help develop an app that revolutionized audience interaction.
"Unbelievably proud of Samantha and what she has accomplished," said Head Coach Marc Chandonnet. "Her trust in this University, the golf program and support to how I manage the program is something that has been unmatched. It's important to have leadership that is brought in, willing to learn and that understands how their contributions day in and day out impact others. We are excited about following Sam's career and confident she will be successful."
Established in 1991, the NCAA Woman of the Year award recognizes graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, service and leadership throughout their collegiate careers.
Bruce becomes the first Redhawk since 2017 when both, Wilma Afunugo and Blaise Wittenauer-Lee, were selected as the WAC's nomination for the award.
Next, the NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee will identify the Top 30 – 10 from each division – and from there select three finalists from each division. From the nine finalists, the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will select the NCAA Woman of the Year, who is named during a luncheon at the NCAA Convention in January of 2024.
For more information about the program and previous winners, please visit ncaa.org/woty.
Stay connected with Seattle U women's golf and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.
Bruce concluded her Seattle U career as arguably one of the best in school history, logging the program's best career scoring average (74.45), par or better rounds (22) and finish percentage (73.4%). Seattle U's 2022-23 Women's Student Athlete of the Year, Bruce became the first Redhawk to earn All-WAC First Team honors in back-to-back years, setting single-season records in stroke average (73.27), counting score (32 times/97%), made birdies (100) and par five scoring (4.7435).
"My SU student-athlete journey is a journey fueled by immeasurable potential," said Bruce. "It has been a privilege that comes with the responsibility to strive for greatness as individuals and as part of a remarkable team. I understand that true success goes beyond personal achievements and is achieved through collaboration, unity, and a commitment to academic excellence for service. By sharing my knowledge and skills for the greater good, I can make a meaningful and lasting impact in the world."
The native of Makati City, Philippines, excelled in the classroom, earning WGCA All-American Scholar and Academic All-WAC three-times and Academic All-District after the 2022-23 season. Bruce also collaborated with the Mockingbird Society, a non-profit organization, to help develop an app that revolutionized audience interaction.
"Unbelievably proud of Samantha and what she has accomplished," said Head Coach Marc Chandonnet. "Her trust in this University, the golf program and support to how I manage the program is something that has been unmatched. It's important to have leadership that is brought in, willing to learn and that understands how their contributions day in and day out impact others. We are excited about following Sam's career and confident she will be successful."
Established in 1991, the NCAA Woman of the Year award recognizes graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, service and leadership throughout their collegiate careers.
Bruce becomes the first Redhawk since 2017 when both, Wilma Afunugo and Blaise Wittenauer-Lee, were selected as the WAC's nomination for the award.
Next, the NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee will identify the Top 30 – 10 from each division – and from there select three finalists from each division. From the nine finalists, the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will select the NCAA Woman of the Year, who is named during a luncheon at the NCAA Convention in January of 2024.
For more information about the program and previous winners, please visit ncaa.org/woty.
Stay connected with Seattle U women's golf and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.