OTTAWA HILLS, Mich. -- The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has concluded the 2025-26 women's golf season with Saint Mary's College capturing the conference championship and leading a group of standout performers recognized with All-MIAA honors. The season featured four fall jamborees and a two-day, 36-hole Spring Finale, culminating in a competitive race for the league title.
Saint Mary's secured the MIAA championship with a season-best average of 311.17, finishing ahead of a tightly contested field. The title marks the third-consecutive championship for the Belles and the 13th in program history. Saint Mary's will receive the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Women's Golf Championships, with selections scheduled to be announced on May 11. The national championship will be held May 19-22 at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, California.
The Belles also posted the low team score of the Spring Finale with a 299, highlighted by senior Amanda Melling's weekend-low of 145 strokes. Melling, along with sophomore Melanie Maier, led the team's consistent success throughout the year, as both players finished in the top six to earn First Team All-MIAA honors.
Trine University placed second overall with a 315.00 average, followed by Hope College at 321.67 and Albion College at 321.83. Adrian College (323.50), Calvin University (323.83), and Kalamazoo College (326.83) rounded out the middle of the standings, while Alma College (342.33) and The University of Olivet (369.67) completed the final team rankings.
Most Valuable Golfer: Rylee Smith, Trine
Trine sophomore Rylee Smith has been named the MIAA Most Valuable Golfer after a strong and consistent performance across all six rounds of the season. Smith opened the fall with rounds of 75 and 76 before carding a 71 at the third jamboree. She followed with a 76 in the final fall event and delivered one of the top performances of the year at the Spring Finale, shooting a 69 on the opening day and finishing with n 81.
Smith's ability to post low scores throughout the season, including her tournament-low round of 69, played a key role in Trine's runner-up finish and established her as the conference's top individual performer.
Sportsmanship Award: Ella LaMothe, Olivet
Olivet senior Ella LaMothe has been selected as the recipient of the MIAA Sportsmanship Award, which recognizes a junior or senior who demonstrates outstanding ethical conduct and golf sportsmanship. Each team nominates one student-athlete, with the final selection determined by a vote of conference coaches and golfers, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.
LaMothe's leadership, integrity, and respect for the game exemplify the values of the award and the spirit of MIAA competition.
Final Team Standings
1. Saint Mary's College – 311.17
2. Trine University – 315.00
3. Hope College – 321.67
4. Albion College – 321.83
5. Adrian College – 323.50
6. Calvin University – 323.83
7. Kalamazoo College – 326.83
8. Alma College – 342.33
9. The University of Olivet – 369.67
All-MIAA First Team
Andrea Diemer, Calvin (3)
Rachael Jones, Hope
Natalie Kulka, Trine (2)
Melanie Maier, Saint Mary's (2)
Amanda Melling, Saint Mary's (2)
Anna Schaibly, Albion
Rylee Smith, Trine (2)
All-MIAA Second Team
Ellie Britt, Kalamazoo (2)
Jacey Merkle, Kalamazoo
Sarah Ream, Alma
Aubrie Schaibly, Albion
Grace Thiele, Trine
Jaiden Winters, Hope