ORLANDO – The UCF women's golf team jumped into the thick of the 2022 National Signing Day, as the program announced the signing of three players, Molly Smith, Emma Baier and Katie Poots, to National Letters of Intent for the Class of 2023.
A Westford, Massachusetts native, Smith brings a decorated amateur resume to UCF. Highlighting her accomplishments during her pre-college playing career are a pair of selections as a United States Golf Association World Amateur qualifier and 2021 Massachusetts Girls Junior Player of the Year honors.
Smith also claimed the top spot in both the 2021 Ouimet Memorial Tournament and the 2021 AJGA Spot X Hotel Junior Tournament, with three-round aggregate scores of 216 and 217, respectively.
"Molly has a passion for the game that is undeniable," said head coach Emily Marron. "We were so impressed from the first time we met Molly with how dedicated she is to her game and how she is striving to get better every day. She is a power player and that will be a big advantage for her transitioning into college golf. I have no doubts Molly will make a big impact on our team right away."
Baier, dubbed a "rising star" by Marron, joins the Knights after representing her hometown of Quito, Ecuador as a member of the Ecuadorian National Team. She won three separate Ecuadorian amateur events during the 2022 season and is ranked No. 2 on the team.
"I can definitely see Emma breaking out in college and taking her game to the next level," Marron continued. "Her maturity and work ethic were two things we were taken by right away. We liked that she has speed in her swing and can handle the courses we play in college. Emma's best golf is ahead of her here at UCF and we are so excited to add her to our team."
Poots, a Belfast, Ireland native, represents the Knights' second international signing of the day. In her home country, Poots, a member of the Irish Junior National Team, won the 2022 Irish Junior Girls Championship with a three-round aggregate score of 213 and finishing nine strokes under par. She also took home 2022 Irish Girls Order of Merit honors.
"Katie is an experienced player who has competed at the highest levels," Marron added. "She has competed for Ireland all over the UK and Europe, and that experience will serve her well in college. Katie has impressive speed to her swing and will be able to compete at the highest levels here in the U.S. We are excited to add Katie and the luck of the Irish to our UCF family."