Kansas State Women’s Golf Team Prepares for the Ultimate Showdown at the Big 12 Championship
H2: Aiming High: Kansas State Women’s Golf at No. 28
MANHATTAN, Kan. – With the pressure rising and anticipation building, the Kansas State women’s golf team, currently ranked No. 28 in the National Collegiate Golf Rankings, is gearing up for one of their most demanding challenges yet: the 2025 Big 12 Championship. This tournament, taking place from Tuesday through Thursday at the stunning Houston Oak Golf Club—a picturesque par-71 course set over 6,249 yards in Hockley, Texas—promises to be thrilling.
H3: Facing the Giants of College Golf
The Big 12 Conference features some of the fiercest competition in women’s golf, showcasing eight teams ranked among the top 30 nationally, second only to the SEC, which boasts ten teams in the rankings. With a collective of 25 players ranked in the top 150 of individual standings, the stakes have never been higher.
Kansas State will contend with formidable rivals, including No. 8 Arizona State, No. 15 TCU, No. 19 Arizona, and several others, setting the stage for exhilarating matchups. This year, the Wildcats aspire to repeat their stellar performance from the previous season, where they achieved their best-ever finish at a conference championship by placing third at Houston Oaks, with a solid score of 14-over par 866.
H4: Coach Stew Burke’s Vision
“We are really looking forward to this coming week,” said head coach Stew Burke. “This will be a great test for the ladies as we begin postseason play. The Big 12 as a whole has had a fantastic regular season, presenting elite-level competition. The girls have been well-prepared at home, and Houston Oaks will provide an excellent challenge as we strategize for the upcoming NCAA Regional selections.”
H3: Wildcats’ Lineup: Strength in Depth
The Wildcats’ lineup for the Big 12 Championship is a mix of experience and youthful talent:
- Carla Bernat (Senior)
- Sophie Bert (Senior)
- Noa van Beek (Junior)
- Alenka Navarro (Sophomore)
- Nanami Nakashima (Freshman)
Additionally, Julia Ballester Barrio will serve as the alternate. Each athlete brings unique strengths that could turn the tide in match play.
H4: Carla Bernat: A Star on the Rise
Leading the charge is Carla Bernat, who recently captured the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship, scoring 12-under par 204 over three rounds. With a scoring average of 70.00 across 29 rounds this season, she holds the record for the lowest average in Kansas State’s history and looks to make her mark at this championship. Last year, she tied for 17th in her inaugural Big 12 Championship, and her experience will undoubtedly be invaluable.
H4: Supporting Cast Making Waves
Not to be overshadowed, Sophie Bert, a transfer from East Tennessee State, has solidified her place in the lineup with a 73.00 scoring average and multiple top-10 finishes, including a tie for second at the Westbrook Invitational in February.
Noa van Beek, hailing from the Netherlands, has shown impressive form with a scoring average of 74.03 this season, while Alenka Navarro maintains a close average of 73.35, with her latest performance landing her a tie for 18th at the Silicon Valley Showcase.
Rounding out the team, Nanami Nakashima is adjusting well to collegiate play, averaging 73.59 in her debut season, and Julia Ballester Barrio brings depth with a score of 75.27 entering the championship.
H3: Championship Schedule
The 2025 Big 12 Championship kicks off on Tuesday, with first-round play beginning at 8:20 a.m. from No. 10. Kansas State will tee off alongside Kansas and Houston. The subsequent rounds promise dynamic pairings based on performance, commencing at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
H4: Follow the Action
Fans can stay updated on the competition through live results available on the SCOREBOARD powered by Clippd. Don’t miss the excitement as Thursday’s final round will be broadcast live on ESPN+, starting at 11:30 a.m.!
The Kansas State women’s golf team’s quest for glory is not just about the competition; it’s about showcasing their resilience, talent, and growth on a national stage. Rally your support for the Wildcats as they embark on this exhilarating journey!
