WOMEN'S GOLF RECEIVES COMMITTMENT FROM ASHLEY SWANSON

Michigan Miss Golf Finalist Set To Play At Ferris State This Fall

The Ferris State University women's golf team has received a committment from high school standout Ashley Swanson (Flint/Powers Catholic Central) to play golf for the Bulldogs, beginning with the fall of 2009. The announcement was made by FSU women's golf head coach Mike Mignano.

Swanson, a finalist for the 2008 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSSA) Miss Golf Award, also was a 2008 All-State Girls Golf Super Team member.

"We're extremely excited to have Ashley play for us next season," said Mignano, who's currently in his second season at Ferris State. "Ashley is every coach's dream recruit in that she works harder than anyone I have ever seen on her golf game and she loves winning.

"Ashley is an individual who will bring a positive attitude and strong work ethic to our team next year and for years to come. She's undoubtedly one of the most talented high school athletes in the state and we're fortunate to have her as a Bulldog," added Mignano.

Swanson was the top individual medalist at the 2008 MHSAA Lower Peninsula Division 3 Girls Golf Finals (Oct. 17-18) with a first-place 154 score (74-80=154) in the two-round tournament and became the third girl in the school's history to claim an individual state championship. She helped guide the Chargers to the 2008 L.P. Division 3 State Championship title as head coach Jim Snow's squad registered a 675-stroke total (341-334=675) at Michigan State University's Forest Akers West Golf Course in East Lansing, Mich.

Following her fall 2008 senior season, Swanson was recognized as the Flint Journal's Player of the Year and was chosen as a member of the The Journal's All-Area Team.

Swanson turned in a fourth-place showing at the 2007 L.P. Division 3 State Tourney with a two-round 158-stroke total (82-76=158).

Ferris State, which is presently ranked sixth nationally in the latest (Oct. 17) NCAA Division II Golf World/National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) Women's Golf Coaches' Poll. The Bulldogs have placed among the top four teams at the NCAA-II Women's Golf Championships the last five seasons (2003-08), which included a fourth-place performance at the 2008 nationals (May 13-16) in Houston, Texas.