COVID-19 devastated coaches, athletes and administration across the nation because it took away season competition. College seniors had the hopes of a final record to be broken, only for it to be ripped out from under their feet. Soon to be high school graduates did not have their “breakout season” in attempts to be recruited. It felt as the world of athletics was put on pause. But for freshman golfer Brady Turnquist—the grind was only beginning.

The West Linn high school graduate committed to Biola in Nov. 2019 and was set on making her mark on the course. Turnquist aided to finish in the top three in the state of Oregon three years in a row. She is a three-time district champion, and earned all-league three consecutive times. Now as she begins her collegiate career, Turnquist is already making a name for herself. She won the overall individual title at the Eagle Invitational in San Diego, her very first collegiate tournament.

FRESH CHAMP

The Eagles Invitational is only the tip of the tee for Turnquist. Her title win is just the start of many accolades to come.

“It was pretty unreal,” Turnquist said. “I made it my goal to win the tournament in October and to say my goal out loud and accomplish that was pretty awesome.”

Turnquist’s drive and passion for golf inspires her teammates, coaching staff, and athletes alike. The work hard, play-hard attitude is what makes this freshman dangerous on the course.

“Every tournament I go into it thinking I’m going to win,” Turnquist said. “I’m never like I’m going to place second this tournament or finish top five, no I’m winning this tournament. If I don’t get it done then oh well, at least I had the mindset that I’m going to win this thing.” 

Before her big win, Turnquist was eager and ready to start competing for Biola.

“When I found out I could come back I was really excited. When I was home I was still working hard; practicing all day, getting to the course at 8 a.m. and leaving at 6 p.m.,” Turnquist said. “But just coming here and being able to be around other athletes on campus is pretty special, especially during COVID. It was absolutely unreal that we get to compete again, it’s truly amazing.”

However, the transition from high school competition to the college level was something on Turnquist’s mind.

“I think the biggest thing is competition is at a higher level,” Turnquist said. “I thrive with better competitors surrounding me and I’ve always wanted to play college golf. So I think it was my time to show what I’ve been working on all throughout high school and it paid off, I got the job done.” 

GO BIG OR GO HOME

While golf tends to be a relatively individual sport, that does not go to say that Turnquist is fighting alone. Biola golf has a great support system within the team and coaching staff.

“It’s a big deal especially as a freshman,” junior golfer Sami Penor said. “To come out really hot out of the gate while being thrown into college life amidst a pandemic.”

Penor explained how the stresses of COVID-19 affect the preparation for the season. Adjusting to college as a freshman is difficult and Turnquist has made the most of what she has been given.

“Brady is a fierce competitor,” wrote head coach Jane Carr in an email. “She wants to win, she wants to be the best that she can be, she wants to make the people around her better and she will put in the hard work that it takes to get there.”

Carr believes that not only does Turnquist have the potential to be a star on the course but a light for her team. 

JOB’S NOT DONE

Turnquist has automatically qualified for her travel team since winning the Eagle Invitational, just one of her many goals she has planned to achieve. Sitting behind Point Loma for the second time Turnquist is more motivated than ever to win both individually and with her team. 

“I want my scoring average to be around 74-75 and every tournament shooting in the seventies,” Turnquist said.

As for adjusting to college life Turnquist is right on par.

“College golf is definitely a full-time job,” Turnquist said. “Your daily routine consists of going to work out, class, practice, and then you come back and do more homework. You do have extra time, it’s just work, but it’s what I love to do so I’m not complaining.” 

It is safe to say that Biola women’s golf has an exciting four years ahead of them.