Augusta State signs Evans golfer
Kristen Bragg competed in so many golf tournaments last summer, the Evans High School senior can't quite remember how she did.
Based on what happened last week, Bragg must have done pretty well.
Bragg signed a letter of intent to attend Augusta State University on a golf scholarship next year. After putting pen to paper at Monday's signing ceremony at Evans, Bragg became the second Lady Knight to earn a college golf scholarship.
"The summer before my junior year, my game progressed very quickly," Bragg said. "I thought I'd get a scholarship somewhere. I just didn't know where."
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Evans golf coach Mike Bibee wasn't surprised to see Bragg sign with a college program.
Evans High School senior Kristen Bragg signs a golf
scholarship with Augusta State University as her grandfather, Don Poe (front row, from left); brother, Kevin Bragg; father, Brian Bragg and mother, Tammy Bragg and friends look on.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"Based on her talent and work ethic when she was a freshman, I never doubted that she would have the ability to play golf at the next level," Bibee said. "The athletes that work the hardest get the most out of their ability. Kristen's got talent, and she's a very hard-working young lady. She practices, she plays in tournaments - everything she has to do to get better."
Bragg has qualified for the Class AAAAA state tournament in each of her three seasons at Evans, and as a junior last spring she won Region 7-AAAAA medalist honors.
Thanks to her strong play at Evans and in summer tournaments, Bragg gained the attention of several college programs.
The decision came down to Georgia State University and Augusta State. Bragg chose the Lady Jaguars, an up-and-coming Division I squad.
"I think ASU will suit me just right," she said. "It's close to home and the golf course is so convenient. I met the coach (Trelle Kite) and really liked her, and I already knew most of the girls on the team."
Additionally, Bragg was impressed with Augusta State's new practice facility, and with the upgraded Forest Hills Golf Course, which is owned by ASU and serves as home course for the Lady Jags.
With the signing out of the way, Bragg looked toward her senior season next spring, and beyond.
"My goal this season at Evans is to play better at the state tournament, and to try and be in the top 10," she said. "I'm excited about playing in college, but I know I'll have to work for my position. There will be pressure to compete for my spot on the team."