By: Izeah Bennett, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, ijb5250@psu.edu

After breaking countless school records in the 2023 season, Brandywine’s men’s golf team looks to carry that energy over to the coming rookie NCAA division III season. The lions concluded their most recent fall season at Olde Homestead Golf Club, placing seventh out of seven teams. 

The lions had a very good season overall. They started off the season hot; in September, they finished their first tournament with a fourth-place finish at the Penn State White Course, followed by a second-place finish at the Penn National Golf Club. After these two finishes, the lions would find themselves falling into the middle of the pack for the remaining tournaments in October.  

“I’m looking forward to getting out and competing again,” said Matt Cavanaugh. 

This past season, sophomore Matt Cavanaugh of the men’s golf team, broke the school’s single season scoring record, at 80.55, during his time playing with Brandywine in the fall of 2023. He is very excited to resume his time playing golf at the intercollegiate level.  

Cavanaugh then gave coach Andrew Wiley his “flowers,” as he has much confidence that Brandywine’s newest men’s golf coach will bring success to Brandywine in their first-ever DIII appearances. 

“I think with our new head coach, Coach Wiley, Brandywine’s program is really going to expand. Our previous coach set a good foundation for the program, and I think Coach Wiley is going to do a really good job turning us into a powerhouse in golf,” said Cavanaugh. 

Brandywine’s Athletic Director, Bobbi Caprice, believes that the sky is the limit for the lions with their NCAA induction. Since graduating from Brandywine, Caprice has been a member of the athletic staff. Caprice began her tenure as the athletic recruiting coordinator, while also overseeing the fitness center, student workers and the intramural program. She has also aided the Brandywine coaching staff in recruiting over 200 student-athletes during her five years as recruiting coordinator. From Nov. 2015 – Oct. 2018, she served as Brandywine’s assistant athletic director and recruiting coordinator.  From Nov. 4, 2018, with her promotion to athletic director, Caprice has overseen the entire athletics department. Before her time working with Penn State, she attended Brandywine and graduated in 2013. 

Caprice stressed the importance of having a good leader to follow for the team to stay prepared for each event. “The team is very close knit and very bonded to each other… Zak Karlton was a very strong captain last season,” said Caprice. Entering the United East conference is no small feat, as it is the largest DIII conference in the nation, yet Caprice is very confident in Karlton. Cavanaugh, too, gives a nod to captain Karlton, regarding the team’s bond. 

“I think the strength of our team is how close we all are. It’s truly like a brotherhood, so we’re always there to pick each other up; even if one of us plays badly, we’re always there for each other whenever we need anything,” said Cavanaugh. 

Cavanaugh explained the importance of how close Brandywine’s golf program truly is, and how their performances are positively affected by being around teammates. 

“The overall goal for next season (our first in DIII) would be to land in the middle of the pack… and then grow [and succeed] from there,” said Caprice.  

Both Caprice and Cavanaugh have high expectations that there is enough talent to perform, grow, and even win some events in their near future. 

“I think with the group of guys we’ve got, that we can win a couple of tournaments this year,” said Cavanaugh. 

If there is anything to expect from the men’s golf team, The United East conference will “raise the caliber of competition” across all athletic groups, according to Caprice. Cavanaugh and the rest of the Brandywine’s golf program seems excited and ready to kick off their spring season as a part of the NCAA’s United East conference.