Illinois State University’s freshman golfer, Elise Fennell, has been recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Golfer of the Week. This honor follows her achievement of earning medalist honors at the 2025 Boilermaker Spring Classic.
During the classic, Fennell recorded rounds of 68, 70, and 71, resulting in a total score of 209. This achievement breaks the previous freshman school record of 210 set by her classmate Jessica Jolly at the Clash of Boulder Creek last fall. Fennell joins a distinguished group of past freshmen who have also earned medalist honors at Illinois State, including Brianna Cooper (2010-11), Samantha Richdale (2002-03), Suzanne Walker (1996-97), Jane Hawkins (1985-86), Karen Schulthes (1980-81), and Pam Tyska (1979-80).
This season, Fennell is averaging 73.1 strokes per round, which potentially places her on track for the top mark by an Illinois State freshman in the program’s history. Her average is significantly better, by nearly four strokes, than the existing freshman season record. Overall, it ranks as the fourth-best single-season stroke average in the history of the program. Fennell boasts 13 rounds at or under par, exceeding the prior freshman program record by nine and holding the fourth-most overall rounds.
The Illinois State Redbirds are scheduled to compete next at the 2025 MVC Championship, which will take place on Sunday, April 13, at Annbriar Golf Course in Waterloo, Illinois.
