OKLAHOMA CITY – Mid-America Christian University (MACU) continues to progress competitively at both NCCAA and NAIA levels, and now adds women's golf to the list of sports programs available for the upcoming 2015-16 season. With this addition MACU offers nine sports, which provides increased opportunities for student athletes.
"We're excited about this addition for multiple reasons. Of course, this helps to attract more great athletes to the university, as well as allows us to be part of their higher education experience. We pride ourselves on providing our student athletes with the best overall package—competitive sports programs, greater 1:1 classroom experience/training and in a Christian environment," said Craig Ruiz, MACU Athletic Director.
Women's golf will be coached by Allen Dukes, who currently serves as the men's golf head coach. Dukes is in his second season at MACU and led the Evangels to the Central Christian College Spring Invite tournament championship earlier this season (March 31).
This announcement coincides with the signing of the sport's first-ever student athletes in Tori Plumley and Mackenzie Thompson.
"The signing of these two student-athletes establishes a solid foundation to build this program upon. They are very talented and I'm anticipating a successful program here at MACU," said Dukes.
Plumley comes to MACU from Harrah High School in Harrah, Oklahoma. She was an All-Conference selection for the past three years. Plumley helped the Harrah Panthers reach the state tournament for three consecutive seasons. A solid student athlete, Plumley was the Valedictorian of her senior class. She is the daughter of Terry and Dianna Plumley and plans to major in Business.
Thompson is from Moore, Oklahoma and has competed at Southmoore High School. Thompson lettered in golf as a senior and was part of a unit that ranked in the top 72 golfers in the state while also qualifying for the state tournament last season. She also lettered in volleyball during her freshman and sophomore seasons. Thompson was a member of the National Honor Society and was All-Academic in Algebra. She is the daughter of Rhett and Heather Thompson and plans to major in Business Administration, with Sports Management emphasis.
