The New York University women's golf team has made tremendous strides since becoming a full-time varsity program in 2008-09.

The Violets hope to continue that progress in 2010-11, and leading the way will be senior Theresa Apoznanski, who has established herself as the most successful player in the program's short history.

Last season, Apoznanski captured the second tournament victory of her career at the Martin/Wallace Invitational (10/3-4) with a career-low two-day tally of 151. She also finished among the top five of two other tournaments, the NYU/Manhattanville Golf Classic (10/17-18), where she placed second, and the St. Lawrence Invitational (9/12-13), where she placed fifth.

Also returning for the Violets is sophomore Sarah Utz, who had two top-five finishes last season. She placed third at the McDaniel College Spring Invitational (3/27-28) and fifth at the NYU/Manhattanville Golf Classic.

“We finished last season ranked #25 in the nation,” said head coach Todd Kolean. “And for a relatively young team, we still have a very strong class coming back. Our golfers have worked very hard this summer. With all five of our top players back, we should only get better from last year.”

Helping Apoznanski and Utz in the team's climb toward the top of the national rankings will be sophomore Jiye Kim, junior Meaghan Kenny and senior Joanna Lau, along with a talented crop of newcomers.

“Kim played very well at the end of last season, Kenny had a very good summer, and I expect good things from Joanna Lau this season. She's been with us from the start of the program,” Kolean said. “We also have a couple recruits coming in that should fare well.”

One of the top recruits brought in by Kolean's staff this year is Kristina Shaloup.

“She's a player and should compete for traveling team spots,” Kolean revealed.

The Violets begin their new season during the weekend of Sept. 11-12 when they take part in the St. Lawrence University Invitational.