South Carolina Women’s Golf Team Set to Compete in Charlottesville Regional With Eyes on NCAA Championship Berth Monday
The South Carolina women’s golf team will tee off Monday morning with more than just another tournament on its mind. The Gamecocks, a perennial national contender under head coach Kalen Anderson, enter the 2025 NCAA Charlottesville Regional with both high expectations and a clear mission: to punch their ticket to the NCAA Championship. As one of the most consistent programs in women’s college golf over the past decade, South Carolina has once again positioned itself among the elite, and now it’s time to deliver on that promise in postseason play.
Charlottesville, Virginia, will be the site of intense competition beginning Monday, as teams from across the country gather at Birdwood Golf Course, the home venue of the University of Virginia. With a challenging layout that demands precision and patience, Birdwood is not for the faint of heart. But it’s the kind of course that suits South Carolina’s style—gritty, composed, and built on experience. The Gamecocks arrive not only with talent but also with a sense of purpose that has been forged over the course of a demanding season on the national stage.
South Carolina’s 2024–25 campaign has been defined by a blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance. The lineup has been anchored by senior stalwarts who bring poise and tournament-tested nerves, complemented by underclassmen who’ve injected energy and competitive fire into the program. This balance has been key in keeping the Gamecocks near the top of the national rankings for much of the spring season, and Anderson has once again orchestrated a team culture centered on accountability, resilience, and unrelenting competitiveness.
A major storyline heading into the regional is the emergence of sophomore standout Mia Breuer, who has blossomed into one of the top young players in the SEC. Breuer’s consistency, particularly in high-pressure rounds, has provided a spark for the team throughout the spring. She has not only recorded multiple top-10 finishes but also earned All-SEC honors, becoming one of the most reliable players in Anderson’s rotation. Her combination of distance off the tee and touch around the greens makes her a dangerous player on any course, but especially at Birdwood, where versatility will be tested.
Joining Breuer at the top of the lineup is senior captain Hannah Darling, whose career at South Carolina has been nothing short of impressive. Darling, a native of Scotland, arrived on campus with international credentials and has lived up to the hype every step of the way. A multiple-time All-American, she enters her final postseason determined to make a deep run and finish what she started. Her leadership both on and off the course has shaped this team’s identity, and her ability to perform under pressure could be the X-factor in Charlottesville.
While Darling and Breuer grab much of the spotlight, the strength of this Gamecocks team lies in its depth. Sophomore Louise Rydqvist and junior Justine Fournand have each had breakthrough moments this season, with both players notching top-20 finishes in stacked fields. Their ability to grind through tough rounds and contribute solid scores has given South Carolina a major competitive advantage, especially in tournament formats where every stroke matters. Anderson often speaks about “team golf” being the hallmark of the Gamecock approach, and that ethos will be front and center in the regional, where margin for error is minimal and success requires contributions from all five players.
South Carolina also brings a strong mental game into the regional. The postseason is where the stakes are highest, and Anderson has consistently emphasized the importance of staying composed in the face of adversity. Whether it’s bouncing back from a bad hole or capitalizing on a hot start, the Gamecocks have shown the kind of emotional maturity that sets elite teams apart. That will be especially important at Birdwood, where undulating greens, strategic bunkering, and narrow fairways will challenge both physical skill and mental discipline.
Preparation for Charlottesville has been meticulous. Following a solid showing at the SEC Championship, where the Gamecocks finished third in a highly competitive field, the team shifted its focus entirely to sharpening the small details. Practice rounds have been tailored to simulate tournament conditions, with an emphasis on short game, lag putting, and course management. Assistant coaches Kevin Williams and Emma Talley have worked closely with players to refine swing mechanics and boost confidence ahead of the regional, ensuring that every Gamecock is mentally and physically ready for the challenge ahead.
Beyond the course, this team is driven by the hunger to return to the NCAA Championship and make a serious run. South Carolina has reached the national championship round multiple times under Anderson’s leadership but has yet to secure the elusive national title. That goal remains the driving force behind every practice, every round, and every team meeting. It’s the standard by which the program measures itself, and it’s why the regional in Charlottesville is more than just another stop on the calendar—it’s a proving ground.
The field at the Charlottesville Regional is loaded with talent, including top-seeded programs from the ACC, Big 12, and Pac-12. Among the teams vying for a spot in the NCAA Championship are Stanford, Texas A&M, Florida State, and host Virginia. Only the top five teams from the regional will advance to the NCAA finals in San Diego, making every round a battle. South Carolina’s familiarity with elite competition, gained through a tough regular-season schedule, could give them an edge in the intensity of regional play.
Monday’s opening round will be crucial, as a strong start can set the tone for the three-day event. Anderson has emphasized the importance of playing to the team’s strengths early—hitting fairways, controlling approach shots, and avoiding big numbers. The Gamecocks will look to establish momentum out of the gate, leaning on the leadership of Darling and the steadiness of Breuer to keep the team focused. As always, weather conditions could play a role, with forecasts calling for possible wind and afternoon showers. Adaptability will be key, and Anderson has full confidence in her team’s ability to stay locked in regardless of the elements.
This group of Gamecocks is also playing for each other. Team chemistry has been a defining trait of the 2024–25 squad, and it’s evident in the way players support each other through highs and lows. Whether it’s offering a read on a tricky green or cheering on a teammate from across the fairway, the bond among this group is real. Anderson often speaks about cultivating a family atmosphere, and this year’s team has embraced that mindset. It’s not just about individual accolades—it’s about accomplishing something meaningful together.
As the Gamecocks prepare to tee it up Monday morning, they do so with clarity of purpose and confidence in their process. The road to the NCAA Championship is never easy, and the Charlottesville Regional will be a test in every sense of the word. But South Carolina enters as a team with experience, talent, and a shared belief that this can be their year. If they play to their potential, the Gamecocks have every reason to believe they’ll be among the five teams moving on to San Diego.
There’s still golf to be played, and the challenge is significant. But one thing is certain: the South Carolina women’s golf team is ready. With a veteran leader, a rising star, and a deep, determined roster, the Gamecocks are set to compete not just for a berth in the championship but for the legacy they’ve spent a season building. Monday is only the beginning—but for South Carolina, it’s the start of something they’ve worked toward all year long.
