COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Women’s Golf Punches Ticket to NCAA National Championship After Dominant Regional Run
The University of South Carolina women’s golf team is officially headed to the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship after a commanding victory at the NCAA Charlottesville Regional. The Gamecocks—ranked fourth in the nation—proved why they’re considered a top contender by controlling the leaderboard from start to finish and walking away with their sixth NCAA Regional title under the leadership of veteran head coach Kalen Anderson.
Held at Birdwood Golf Course in Virginia, the regional tournament saw South Carolina enter as the No. 1 seed, and the team did not disappoint. The Gamecocks delivered a wire-to-wire performance that left little doubt they were in peak form. With this win, South Carolina locks in its spot among the nation’s elite programs and will now set their sights on the NCAA Championship, scheduled for May 16–21 at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California.
This marks the fifth consecutive time the Gamecocks have qualified for the national championship, underscoring a program that has steadily become a powerhouse in collegiate women’s golf. Their regional victory comes just weeks after they dominated the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship, where they clinched the title with a stunning 16-under team performance. That SEC victory was South Carolina’s first since 2021 and a strong indicator of what was to come.
At the Charlottesville Regional, the Gamecocks showcased a well-rounded team effort, with standout contributions from every player. The five-woman lineup featured All-American senior Louise Rydqvist, mid-year enrollee and SEC Co-Freshman of the Year Eila Galitsky, seasoned talent Hannah Darling, rising star Maylis Lamoure, and dependable performer Sophia Burnett.
Galitsky has been a revelation for the team since joining earlier this year. Her exceptional maturity on the course and poise under pressure were on full display during both the SEC Championship and NCAA Regional. Her first-round 65 at the SEC tournament—tied with Rydqvist’s—helped South Carolina take early control and ultimately win the championship by six strokes.
“Having a freshman like Eila step up in huge moments speaks volumes about the strength of our program and the culture we’ve built,” said head coach Kalen Anderson following the regional win. “But this was a total team effort. Everyone contributed, and that’s what we need heading into nationals.”
The team’s chemistry and competitive drive were evident throughout the regional event, where they kept their composure through changing conditions and pressure-packed moments. Rydqvist, a steady force throughout the season, played with the experience and leadership expected of a senior who has seen it all. Darling and Lamoure, too, provided vital consistency and timely birdies that allowed the team to maintain its edge over other elite programs vying for a spot in the championship.
As the Gamecocks prepare for the biggest tournament of the year, they do so with both confidence and focus. The NCAA Championship format will test even the best teams: following 54 holes of stroke play, the top 15 teams and top nine individuals not on an advancing team will play a fourth round to determine the top eight squads that move into match play. From there, it’s a knockout battle for the national title.
South Carolina’s postseason run has been building toward this moment. The program’s last trip to the NCAA finals ended with a top-10 finish, but this year feels different. There’s a sense of urgency and belief that this could be the year they break through and capture the school’s first-ever national championship in women’s golf.
Under coach Anderson, now in her 18th season at the helm, South Carolina has reached unprecedented levels of consistency and excellence. Anderson has led the team to more than a dozen NCAA Championship appearances, and her guidance has transformed South Carolina into one of the most respected and competitive golf programs in the country.
“Kalen has built something truly special here,” said athletics director Ray Tanner. “Year after year, this team competes with class, toughness, and the kind of championship mindset you need at this level. We’re proud of what they’ve done—and excited for what’s still ahead.”
The women’s golf program’s success this season is also a reflection of the university’s broader investment in women’s sports. With rising attendance, expanded recruiting, and a strong culture of support, South Carolina’s commitment to athletic excellence is paying off in multiple sports—including golf, basketball, and track & field.
Fans across Gamecock Nation have rallied behind the team, especially as national media outlets begin to take notice of their surge. The victory at the NCAA Regional is being seen not just as a win, but as a statement: South Carolina is a legitimate contender for the 2025 national title.
The excitement is palpable as the team gets ready to head west to Carlsbad. Practice rounds and preparation will begin soon, with Anderson likely keeping her players grounded and focused on taking one day at a time. Despite the stakes, the team’s mantra remains simple: play your game, stay consistent, and trust the process.
The next chapter in South Carolina women’s golf begins May 16 at Omni La Costa. And if their recent performance is any indication, the Gamecocks are ready to take on the best and bring a national title back to Columbia.
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