Marie Eline Madsen is making waves in women’s college golf. As a member of the NC State team, she was named to the Women’s Golf Coaches Association All-America Second Team. This is a notable achievement because she is the first player in her school’s history to earn first or second team All-America honors.
Madsen had a standout freshman season, achieving All-ACC honors and winning an individual title at the NCAA Charlottesville Regional. Hailing from Denmark, she set a new school record with an average score of 71.23 over the season. Notably, she played 35 rounds, notching 22 rounds at par or better and 11 rounds in the 60s. She grabbed an impressive 124 birdies and made 389 pars.
Out of 12 tournament appearances, Madsen finished in the top 10 eight times and consistently ranked in the top 20, leading up to the NCAA Championship. Remarkably, she became the first NC State golfer to qualify as an individual for this championship since 2008. Currently, she ranks third in all-time career wins at NC State, with two victories in her first year.
During her season, Madsen also made headlines by being the first NC State freshman to win an individual tournament since 2015. She shot a spectacular 11-under 205 at the Daniel Island Invitational, breaking the freshman record for 54-hole scores.
Madsen joins fellow NC State golfers Augusta James and Brittany Marchand, who also received WGCA Honorable Mentions. However, she stands out as the first to earn a spot on either the first or second team.
### The Bigger Picture
Women’s golf has been gaining popularity, and this trend mirrors the rise of women in sports overall. According to a 2022 report from the National Federation of State High School Associations, girls’ participation in high school golf increased by 14% over the last decade.
Expert opinions suggest that female athletes like Madsen inspire younger generations to take up the sport. Sports psychologist Dr. Linda Sullivan notes, “Representation matters. Young girls see athletes like Madsen and think, ‘I can do that too.’”
In summary, Marie Eline Madsen is paving the way for future female golfers at NC State and beyond. Her achievements not only set records but also serve as motivation for young athletes.
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