UNC Golf Programs Lay Foundation for Future Success with Strong Finishes and New Talent

GREELEY, Colo. – The 2024–25 golf season marked a period of growth and transition for the University of Northern Colorado's men's and women's programs, both of which laid strong foundations for future success through standout individual performances, postseason competition, and key additions on and off the course.

On the women's side, the Bears turned in a competitive spring highlighted by a second-place team finish at the "Mo"Morial Invitational in early April and a sixth-place showing at the Big Sky Championship.
Freshman Samantha Colombine made an immediate impact in her first collegiate season, finishing tied for 11th at the conference tournament with rounds of 76-71-72. She was joined by consistent performances from veterans Timbre Shehee, Carolina Fallotico and Olivia Salonek, each finishing inside the top 30 in the final event of the year.

Jaci Hartman, UNC's third-best player statistically, competed in every tournament leading up to the Big Sky Championship before being sidelined by injury. Her consistent play was key to the Bears' success, including their runner-up finish in College Station.

UNC opened the championship with a 302 and climbed the leaderboard with a 297 in round two before closing strong at 893 (+41) overall. Colombine's emergence as a top-15 conference performer paired well with Shehee's leadership and Shehee's own top-20 finish at the Big Sky finale.

The 2024–25 season also saw a key staff move, as assistant Tina Barrett was promoted to associate head coach of both the men's and women's golf programs. A former LPGA Tour standout and seasoned mentor, Barrett's elevation signals a new chapter for UNC golf. Her leadership is already being felt through the program's development and recruiting efforts.

One of Barrett's additions is Kendall Hayward, a transfer from the University of Montana. The Mesa, Arizona native brings three years of collegiate experience and is eager to take the next step in Greeley.

On the men's side, the Bears showed flashes of brilliance throughout the spring and gained valuable experience in their final season competing in the Summit League. UNC will rejoin the Big Sky Conference in 2025–26, setting the stage for a return to familiar competition and regional rivalries.

Junior Cooper Tate led the way with a top-10 finish at the Old Corkscrew Intercollegiate in Florida, shooting 143 (–1) to tie for 10th. He followed that up with a 3-under 69 at a Florida-based event in early April, sitting tied for seventh through two rounds.

Sophomore JaeSeung Na made headlines at the Summit League Championship with a blistering 5-under 66—one of the lowest single-round scores in the league that week.

Despite a ninth-place team finish at the Summit finale, UNC showcased a deep and developing roster, with key contributions from Tate, Na, Westin Pals, Antti Vahvaselka and Talan Gover.

Looking ahead to 2025–26, the Bears have bolstered their roster with a talented recruiting class announced by Director of Golf Clayton Sikorski.

Incoming freshman Tommie Clark of Mesa, Arizona, brings a decorated junior resume, including a second-place finish at the Scottsdale Junior Championship (68-67—135) and top-10 placements in multiple regional events. Clark is ranked No. 660 on the Junior Golf Scoreboard and comes from a family deeply rooted in the sport.

Joining Clark is Thomas Barnes Grimes, a junior transfer from Leeds, England. Barnes Grimes owns international and collegiate accolades, including First Team All-MIAA honors and a 72.4 adjusted scoring average at Rogers State. He's a former Yorkshire County Team Champion and winner of the 2022 Grand Prix du Vaudreuil.

The Bears also added Lucas Raoul of France and Rowan MacDonald of Canada during the early signing period. Raoul, ranked No. 12 among U18 players in France, boasts a stroke average of 70.3 and a runner-up finish at the Grand Prix de Pau. MacDonald, from Quebec, is ranked 17th nationally in Canada for his class and owns a fifth-place finish at the Ontario Spring Classic with a 208 total.

With four highly ranked newcomers and a solid core returning, UNC men's golf is positioned to make an immediate impact as it returns to the Big Sky Conference.

As both programs continue their upward trajectory, the Bears look to carry their momentum into 2025–26 with renewed leadership, new talent, and a growing belief that UNC Golf is building something special in Greeley.

FOLLOW THE BEARS
Stay up to date on all the action from UNC Golf by following the Bears on social media!
Women's Golf: X (formerly Twitter) @UNC_BearsWGolf, Instagram @UNC_BearsWGolf
Men's Golf: X (formerly Twitter) @UNC_MensGolf, Instagram @UNC_BearsMGolf
Both Programs: Facebook /UNCBearsGolf

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Players Mentioned

Samantha Colombine

Carolina Fallotico

Talan Gover

Jaci Hartman

JaeSeung Na

Westin Pals

Olivia Salonek

Timbre Shehee

Cooper Tate

Antti Vahvaselka

Sponsors

Upcoming Events

University of Northern Colorado Athletics