DENVER – University of Denver Women's Golf head coach Martha Richards announced the signing of Haven Ward, Brooke McGlasson, Kaitlin Zingler and Anna Neumayer for the upcoming 2023-24 season on Wednesday. All four incoming freshmen have signed their National Letter of Intent (NLI) to continue their academic and athletic careers at DU.
"I am so excited to share this year's signing class, they are talented, diverse, and competitive group. We're very fortunate to sign four great players from all over the country and internationally that represent everything our program stands for," Richards said. "Not only are Anna, Haven, Brooke, and Kaitlin great players, but they are also tremendous students and people. They are a perfect fit with our history of academic and athletic excellence here at Denver. Each of these players will help us build on and continue our team culture of competing at the highest level, while enjoying the process along the way. Our program has always had a blend of top players from Colorado, the United States, and international players – this class fits that model and it's something that is important to me to continue. The University of Denver is a special place and is an amazing school to be a student-athlete. I can't wait to share this journey with all of our new Pioneers."
Neumayer continues the long successful tradition of incorporating international recruits on the Denver team. Hailing from Eben em Pongau, Austria, the incoming Pioneer has enjoyed a high level of success on the international scene, winning multiple events such as the Austrian Stroke Play U21 and U18, the Slovenian International Amateur Championship and the Austrian U18 Match Play.
In addition to these victories, Neumayer has spent her amateur golf career competing against the best talent in Europe. As member of the Austrian National Team, Neumayer will bring her own knowledge and perspective to DU. Neumayer ranks 704th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and 199th in the European Golf Rankings.
"Anna is a member of the Austrian National Team and she brings such a high level of international experience to our program," Richards said. "She is a talented golfer with a fantastic swing. As she continues to grow and mature as a player, I think we will see some amazing golf from her here at Denver. I am excited for her to arrive at DU and I believe she will make an immediate impact for our team."
Ward joins the Pioneers from Atlanta, where she ranks 155th in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) rankings. The incoming Pioneer has been a rising senior at Holy Innocents Episcopal School. She also has been a member of First Tee – Metro Atlanta for 11 years, and was given the honor of competing in the PGA TOUR Champions' Pure Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach last fall.
Ward also was selected to be part of the HOPE Tee Shot ceremony earlier in August, helping to kick off the 2022 TOUR Championship. In addition to this honor, Ward received a $5,000 HOPE scholarship to help further her education.
A key characteristic of Haven's success is her ability to embrace new opportunities. She has been featured on GolfPass's Home Course Advantage hosted by Will Lowery. Additionally, Ward spent time in Toronto as she was featured on the series All-Around Champions, where she was able to spend time with top junior athletes from a variety of sport backgrounds.
"Haven is a standout athlete and golfer," Richards said. "Playing multiple sports growing up will be such an asset for her as she moves forward in her career. She has accomplished so much already, but her best golf is still in front of her and to sign such a terrific athlete is so exciting for me. I believe the sky is the limit for her."
McGlasson, a senior at Liberty High in Peoria, Ariz., brings a championship-winning mentality to the Pioneers. Her Liberty team won the high school State Championship in 2021. They also earned national recognition, placing fourth in the National High School Girls Golf Championship out of 28 teams. A four-year varsity team member, the Peoria native was a 2021 All-Arizona Girls Golf Team selection.
She also was an Arizona High School Sports Awards Girls Golf Nominee this past year.
In 2022, McGlasson found individual success at the Arizona High School State Championship, placing 3rd overall. Beyond the golf course, McGlasson's talents as a confident leader and student make her a great fit for DU. McGlasson is a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and serves on the Liberty High School Student Council.
"Brooke is a tremendous student-athlete and will bring so much to our program," Richards said. "She is passionate about the University of Denver and her positive energy is contagious which is a fantastic compliment and addition to our team. I think Brooke will do some wonderful things on the golf course and for our program with her energy and leadership qualities."
Zingler is a local product from just down the road in Lakewood, starring at Mullen High School. While there, she helped lead Mullen to the Class 4A Regional Championships and top finishes in the Class 4A State Championship. In 2021 and 2022, she earned 4A First Team All-State Honors. Off the golf course, Zingler's talent as a student is evident in her membership in the National Honors Society, National Social Studies Honor Society, and the National Spanish Honors Society. For the Mustangs, she has been a model student, athlete, and leader. Outside her high school golf career, Zingler holds many accomplishments in junior tournaments across the state and country.
Most recently, she took home trophies this summer from the IMG Girls Qualifier held at CommonGround Golf Club and West Swing at Eagle Ranch. Over her career, Kaitlin competed in top junior events including the IMG Academy Junior Golf World Championship, IMG Junior Worlds, and the Optimist International.
"I am so delighted to have Kaitlin as a Pioneer," Richards added. "DU Women's Golf has historically had so much success recruiting talented players from Colorado so to have Kaitlin join us is both important and exciting. She has proven herself to be a talented golfer, gifted student, and I know she will be an excellent addition to the team next fall."
Denver returns to action in the spring.
SHOP PIONEERS:
Get dressed for Game Day! Get your Pioneers gear at ShopPioneers.com, the official online store of University of Denver Athletics.
CHAMPIONS CLUB: Fans interested in donating to the women's golf program can do so by joining the Champion's Club. For more information, click HERE.
DONATE: Fans interested in making a donation to the Pioneers Athletic Fund can do so by clicking here. Your gift will transform the lives of our student-athletes by giving them the first-class resources needed to excel in the classroom, in the classroom and beyond. Thank you for Building Pioneers for Life!
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 18 of Denver's NCAA Division I sports.
Like Denver Pioneers and DU Women's Golf on Facebook
Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_WGolf on Twitter
