Asst. Coach Carolina Hortian & Kera Healey
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First Look
When the Chattanooga Mocs women’s golf team boards a plane for Mexico, the destination isn’t the only thing that feels fresh. The Collegiate Invitational at Guadalajara marks the first full-team event under new head coach Katie Woodruff, and her message is simple: progress over perfection.
“I’m really excited to start to see what we can build this spring,” Woodruff said. “Let’s just try to get a little bit better each week.”
With only five players on the roster, the Mocs are embracing a steady, step-by-step climb. Seniors Kera Healey and Makenzie Cooper anchor the group, while sophomore transfer Bella Bugg and freshmen Rugile Pauliukonyte and Erin Wells round out a roster that’s learning—and growing—on the fly.
“They’ve done a really good job with that mindset so far,” Woodruff said. “Especially with the weather we’ve had, being indoors a lot. They’ve really had great attitudes.”
Tournament Info
Collegiate Invitational at Guadalajara
Dates: Jan. 30-31 | Format: 36/18 | Host: Virginia
Course: Guadalajara CC; Par 72; 6,210 yards | Location: Guadalajara, Mexico
Field: Chattanooga, BYU, (43) Colorado, (28) Florida State, (33) Houston, (39) N.C. State, (19) Oklahoma State, (41) TCU, UTSA, Tulsa, (38) Virginia & Washington
Resources: Scoring | Stats/Notes | Schedule | Roster
Media: Broadcasting on Babygrande Golf via YouTube – Day 1 | Day 2
Lineup
Kera Healey, Makenzie Cooper, Rugile Pauliukonyte, Bella Bugg & Erin Wells
Round 1 Tee Times: 9-9:36 am (ET) off No. 1 | Paired with TCU & Tulsa
Finding Their Footing
The spring opener isn’t just the team’s first event together—it’s a debut for several Mocs in new surroundings. For Wells, a freshman from England, the transition has been swift and dramatic.
“Super brand new world, literally,” Woodruff said with a laugh. “Coming to America, starting school and then going to Mexico for her first event less than three weeks after school started.”
Bugg, who arrived from Virginia Tech, has also adjusted quickly. “They’ve really taken the ball and ran with it,” Woodruff said. “They’ve asked some really good questions, worked hard and showed up on time every day. That’s really all you can ask.”
The team’s veterans have helped steady the transition. “The three returners have been incredible in helping these other two that just started school find their feet and start to rebuild our culture,” Woodruff said. “They’ve given so much grace and accepted the new style of leadership. They’ve really been great.”
Fighting Through Winter Weather
Winter in Chattanooga has forced the Mocs inside. There the ladies leaned on a robust indoor facility to prepare. The coaching staff has used the space to simulate pressure situations and dial-in yardages.
“We have incredible golf courses, but to have the indoor facility with two TrackMan units, two Quads, and a massive green for chipping—it’s been vital to our prep,” Woodruff said. “We’ve really utilized it in doing tests and trying to simulate a little bit of pressure, the most we can get. It’s been really helpful.”
With only one full team round since classes resumed, the Mocs are heading to Mexico with open minds and loose expectations. “We have no idea what to expect,” Woodruff said. “That’s the dangerous part in a good way—when you don’t have expectations, you just go out and play free.”
Freedom in Guadalajara
The exotic setting of Guadalajara offers the Mocs a chance to compete without the weight of results.
“It being more of a fun deal, that takes a little bit of the pressure away,” Woodruff said. “We’re going to Mexico—let’s try to have fun, put expectations aside and see what we’ve got.”
For a team learning under a new coach and with a lineup still settling in, that freedom is powerful.
“When you don’t have expectations, you just go out and play free,” Woodruff said. “That’s the mindset I hope they’re going to take.”
The trip marks the first chapter of the Woodruff era, and the focus remains on gradual growth.
“We’re climbing an uphill battle,” she said. “But any uphill climb is just one step at a time.”
DYK?
This is the Mocs 4th trip to Mexico.
2009: Wildcat Invitational (Puerto Perasco): 16th (958)
2018: Hawkeye-El Tigre Invite (Puerto Vallerta): 9th (905)
2019: Hawkeye-El Tigre Invite (Puerto Vallerta): 4th (894)
Best individual finishes:
2018 – T9, Cris Perez: 77-71-73=221
2019 – T9, Monica San Juan: 73-72-75=220
2018 – T15, Monica San Juan: 75-74-75=221
History at the Collegiate Invitational at Guadalajara
Year: Team Scores | Top Individual
First entry
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