BOSTON – Just over a week away from competition, head coach Jay Parker announced that the senior threesome of Sophie Kiley, Isabel Smith and Ellie Yarbrough will share leadership responsibilities in 2023-24 as tri-captains.
It is the first time since 2021-22 since Suffolk's women's golf squad designated captains and it is the third season, first since 2019-20, that multiple student-athletes have earned the role. Kiley, Smith and Yarbrough are the first trio to take on the job in the program's seven-year history.
The group has been instrumental to Suffolk's success throughout their collegiate careers and look to leave more of a mark this year.
Yarbrough, a native of Lake Oswego, Oregon, is the most decorated student-athlete by a conference with three all-conference honors on her resume. She also has one regional recognition, which she achieved in 2021-22 when Suffolk claimed its third New England Intercollegiate Golf Association (NEIGA) Championship.
"Ellie is the most talented player we have ever had in our program," Parker said. "She made a huge transition coming from the West Coast to compete in the NWGC and brings her great personality to the golf course everyday."
Smith also collected all-region at NEIGAs in 2021. More impressively, the then-sophomore won individual medalist honors, the second Ram, male or female, to do so ever. The Westford, Massachusetts product holds a pair of all-conference distinctions as well.
"Isabel is a great leader on and off the course," Parker commented.
Kiley, who brought her talents to Boston from Brookfield, Massachusetts, and has contributed every time she's been on the course.
"Sophie is the hardest working player that I have ever coached," said Parker. "She has improved her stroke average by 30 strokes over three years. Even if she doesn't make the core lineup at events, she has always been a leader."
The group makes up the core of Suffolk's five-player roster that features newcomers Brooke Bugajewski and Ella Torsleff.
The Rams are scheduled to open their season Sept. 9 at the two-day Polar Bear Shootout in Brunsick, Maine at the Brunswick Golf Club.