November 17, 2009

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University fifth-year women's golf head coach Ali Wright has announced that two-time Virginia High School League (VHSL) Girls State Champion Amanda Steinhagen/Oak Hill (Oakton) has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Lancers for 2010-11. Amanda is the daughter of Bob and Bev Steinhagen of Oak Hill, and won both the 2009 and 2007 VHSL Girls Group AAA State Championships while finishing fourth in 2008. Steinhagen won this year's state title by 11 strokes in record-breaking fashion with her 70-68--138.

“After first watching Amanda play at the 2007 VHSL Girls High School Championship, I wanted her to come play for Longwood University,” said Wright. “Over the years, she has always shown great maturity in her golf game and the ability to play well under pressure. Amanda is one of the top recruits in the country and our team is thrilled that she has decided to become a Lancer. Amanda has the desire to achieve academically at Longwood and when she graduates, she will pursue a professional golf career. I am thrilled she was able to look at Longwood University and realize this is the best place for her to pursue her academic and athletic dreams. Amanda is going to have a standout career at Longwood and our program is gaining a major talent and experience with her signing.”

Steinhagen has already attained numerous high school and amateur golf honors and achievements during her young career. To just name a few, she has been named the 2009 Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) Junior of the Year, was the runner-up at the 32nd VSGA Women's Stroke Play Championship at the Meadowbrook Country Club (72-72-68--212), tied for fourth at the 2009 North-South Junior Girls Championship (74-71-72--217), was fifth at the 40th VSGA Junior Girls' Championship at Loudoun Golf and Country Club (75-74--149), and was an amateur qualifier for the 2009 LPGA Duramed iMPACT Classic at the Richmond Country Club (80-77--157). Steinhagen qualified for match play at the 2008 United States Girls Junior Qualifier (77-73--150) as well.

Longwood completed its fall season with an impressive 307.1 team scoring average, a mark well-under the record of 311.9 attained during 2007-08. The Lancers will open their spring season March 7-9 at the Eagle Landing Invitational hosted by James Madison University in Orange Park, Florida.