The Fort Lewis College women’s golf program got three commitments during the early signing period, including Animas High School’s Faith Mewmaw.
Interim head coach Jim Foltz, who took over for Guy Begay after he resigned in early October, said all three players will bring commitment to the game.
“I recruited these players because of their ability to stay with the program,” Foltz said. “I was really impressed with all three of their work ethic levels and they know what they’re getting into. They’ve seen it and understand that in this area golf isn’t year-round, and we’re in a bit of a gap between the fall and spring seasons. A big part of this was that I was impressed with not only their skill level, but their background, as well. They all have families who are heavily involved in their golf game, their academics and collegiate careers. I’m really excited for what this group can bring to the team.”
Foltz got a local commitment from Mewmaw . The senior has qualified for the Colorado High School Activities Association state girls golf state championship for three consecutive seasons, and Foltz was excited about what she could bring to the program.
“I gave Faith a quick tour, and she was really impressed with campus and our program,” Foltz said. “I like to look at people from our hometown, and, if they have that certain drive and talent, I’m going to go after them. She’s been a standout for Durango these last few seasons, and I am glad she’s decided to stay so close to home.”
Mewmaw was just as excited to stay in Durango.
“I moved here from Chicago six years ago and fell in love with Durango,” said Mewmaw, daughter of Cathy and Doug Mewmaw. “When I was looking for colleges, I thought the Fort was a perfect fit for me. My family is super close, and knowing my brother goes to FLC just made my decision that much easier to make. When I got offered a scholarship, it was the perfect fit for me. I feel the future of women’s golf is looking promising all across the country and even here at Fort Lewis. I am happy to be a part of it and am looking forward to being on coach Foltz’s team.”
Melissa Gabaldon, based out of Belen, New Mexico, helped her side to a sixth-place finish at last year’s Class 5A championship.
“Melissa is a great player, and I was really impressed with her work ethic,” Foltz said. “I could see that from her game and also heard it from her swing coach, among other people, and thought she’d be a great fit.”
The last signing came from Brooke Sturtevant of Hope Christian High School in Albuquerque.
“Brooke is another great player who’s made a career of shooting low scores, so I’m excited we got her, as well,” Foltz said. “Her talent level is high, and I think she can bring a lot to this program.”
Foltz said he is not done recruiting and is looking at adding a few more players on both the men’s and women’s team.
“Recruiting is a round-the-clock type of job where you’ve constantly got to be on the lookout for the future of the program,” Foltz said. “I have three more players that I’m looking at on the women’s side and one on the men’s, so I’ve liked our approach this offseason.”
bploen@durangoherald.com
