Kansas State University’s Women’s Golf Team: Chasing Historic Glory in the NCAA Lexington Regional
Introduction: A New Dawn for K-State Golf
MANHATTAN, Kan. – After an exhilarating eight-year hiatus from postseason play, the Kansas State women’s golf team is back, ready to carve out its place in history. They will kick off their journey towards their first-ever NCAA Championship appearance as they tee off at the 2025 NCAA Lexington Regional next week at the stunning par-72, 6,322-yard Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
The Road to the Regional: High Stakes for the Wildcats
Seeded as the No. 5 team for the tournament, K-State joins eleven other determined squads in a fierce battle for a coveted spot in the 2025 NCAA Championship, scheduled for May 16-21 at the luxurious Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. Only the top five teams and the best individual player not part of an advancing team will secure a ticket to the finals.
A Coach’s Vision
"Our season starts Monday," proclaimed head coach Stew Burke. "The ladies have been playing outstanding golf all semester to put us in this position. However, it’s all or nothing—top five or go home. I can assure you, nobody on this roster is ready to see the season end. We’ll focus on each round and let the results unfold."
Meet the Competition: Powerhouses and Challengers
The Wildcats face formidable competitors, including the top-seeded Florida State—this year’s ACC Champion, followed closely by USC, TCU, and Vanderbilt. Other squads in contention include:
- Georgia Southern
- Pepperdine
- Louisville
- Miami
- Western Kentucky (Conference USA Champion)
- Morehead State (Ohio Valley Champion)
- Fairleigh Dickinson (Northeast Champion)
Each team brings its unique strengths, but the Wildcats are primed for a fight.
The Team Lineup: Experience Meets Ambition
K-State will utilize the same lineup that showcased its talent at the Big 12 Championship, featuring:
- Carla Bernat (Senior)
- Sophie Bert (Senior)
- Nanami Nakashima (Freshman)
- Alenka Navarro (Sophomore)
- Noa van Beek (Junior)
Sophomore Julia Ballester Barrio will step in as an alternate.
Veteran Leadership
"This is a brand-new experience for most of the team, but having Carla and Sophie, who have postseason experience, is invaluable," added Burke. "Keene Trace offers a great challenge, with many similarities to our home course at Colbert Hills."
Star Players: Spotlight on Bernat and Bert
Carla Bernat enters the postseason as the 2025 Big 12 Women’s Golfer of the Year, a monumental achievement for both her and the program. Hailing from Castellon, Spain, Bernat is only the second player in K-State’s history to receive this prestigious honor. She and Sophie Bert are the first pair of Wildcats to earn All-Big 12 recognition in the same season, marking a significant milestone for the team.
Major Achievements
Bernat, the reigning 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur Champion, boasts the school records for both single-season (70.09) and career (70.40) scoring averages. Ranked 23rd in the National Collegiate Golf Rankings, her portfolio includes seven top-five finishes and two victories this season.
On the other hand, Sophie Bert made history by winning the 2025 Big 12 Championship, becoming the first Wildcat to secure an individual conference title. Her performance has also earned her recognition as the Big 12 Women’s Golfer of the Month for May.
The Rising Stars: Fresh Faces
Nanami Nakashima, hailing from Kani, Japan, has shown remarkable consistency this season, competing in all 11 events and maintaining a solid 73.84 scoring average. Her standout moment came with a second-place finish at the Powercat Invitational.
Alenka Navarro and Noa van Beek have also made their marks, combining for six top-20 finishes. Navarro’s impressive third-place finish at the Powercat Invitational and van Beek’s seventh-place tie at the MountainView Collegiate have spotlighted their potential.
Looking Ahead: The Tournament Awaits
The Wildcats will begin their campaign at the 2025 NCAA Lexington Regional starting at 8 a.m. (ET) from the 10th tee on Monday morning, paired with Vanderbilt and Georgia Southern. Golf enthusiasts can keep up with live results on the SCOREBOARD powered by Clippd.
Conclusion: A Team on the Rise
As the Kansas State women’s golf team prepares to write a new chapter in its history, the anticipation is palpable. With a blend of seasoned talent and promising newcomers, the Wildcats are not just aiming for a successful tournament—they are poised to leave an indelible mark on college golf. Can they secure their place in the NCAA Championship and etch their names in the annals of K-State sports history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this team is ready for the challenge.
