Wildcat Women’s Golf Makes History at the 2025 Big 12 Championship
Hockley, Texas – In a groundbreaking showcase of skill and determination, Sophie Bert, a senior women’s golfer from Kansas State University, delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the 2025 Big 12 Championship, hosted at the stunning Houston Oaks Golf Club. With her final round score of 5-under par 66, Bert skyrocketed 13 spots up the leaderboard to capture the Wildcats’ first-ever individual conference championship title.
K-State’s Stellar Team Performance
Setting the tone for an exhilarating day, Kansas State began the final round in 11th place. With grit and determination, the Wildcats surged to finish in fifth place overall at 25-over par 877. After securing third place in last year’s championship, this year marks a milestone as K-State achieves back-to-back top-five finishes in conference history for the first time.
Bert Leads the Charge
Bert wrapped up the tournament with an impressive 54-hole score of 2-under par 211, distinguishing herself as the only player to finish under par for the tournament. This remarkable score is the best three-round total in K-State’s conference championship history. Adding to her accolades, the stellar 66 she posted in the final round is the best-ever by a Wildcat in this championship, tying for sixth-best overall score in the event’s history.
The Silver Lining: Carla Bernat
Aiming to join Bert’s triumph, Carla Bernat, another senior standout, rose an impressive eight places during the final round. With a final score of even-par 213, she clinched a runner-up finish after carding a solid 2-under par 69 in her final round. This journey marked another first for K-State: two players finishing in the top ten of the conference championship.
Rallying Team Spirit
Junior Noa van Beek joined the stellar duo, also posting an under-par score of 1-under 70. Together, these three athletes spearheaded a remarkable team performance, with the Wildcats producing a final-round score of 5-under par 279. This score made K-State the only team among the 14-team field to finish under par during the championship and marked the best round in a conference championship for the program.
A Narrow Miss for Conference Glory
Despite their impressive performance, Kansas State finished the championship just six strokes shy of a three-team playoff, which was ultimately claimed by Arizona. The Wildcats’ three-round total of 877 stands as the third best in K-State’s conference championship history, a testament to their growth and potential.
A Proud Moment for the Coaching Staff
Head coach Stew Burke expressed his pride in the team, stating, “What a comeback from the ladies today. Yesterday was the low point of our season, and we were looking for a reaction from them today. They certainly delivered by shooting the only team round under par all week.” Burke’s pride resonates not only with Bert’s individual triumph but also with the collective strength his team demonstrated.
Individual Excellence Unfolded
Starting her bid for glory from the back 9, Bert showcased her talent with a birdie on the par-4 10th hole, despite a bogey on No. 15. She then unleashed an impressive burst of productivity, sinking five birdies within six holes, including each of the first three after the turn. After parring the final six holes, her victory felt inevitable.
Bernat faced an uphill battle early on, battling a double-bogey on No. 11 and another bogey on No. 15. However, she exhibited steadfast resolve, finishing bogey-free and 5-under over her final 11 holes to secure her impressive second-place finish.
Junior van Beek, hailing from Oene, Netherlands, climbed an impressive 16 spots in the final round to finish tied for 40th at 13-over par 226, showcasing her resilience with four birdies and a 3-under back 9.
Rising Stars of K-State Golf
Freshman Nanami Nakashima also stood out, posting her best round of the championship with a 3-over par 74, finishing tied for 47th place at 16-over par 229. Meanwhile, sophomore Alenka Navarro concluded the event in 65th place at 27-over par 240.
Eyes Set on the Future
Looking ahead, Kansas State now turns its focus to the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Selection Show, scheduled for April 23 at 12 p.m. (CT), airing on the GOLF Channel. The Wildcats are aiming for their sixth NCAA Regional berth and their first since 2017. With the momentum built from this historic championship performance, they are ready to show that they are a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.
For more information on their journey and future competitions, follow Kansas State Women’s Golf on their official website.
