ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany women’s golf program and head coach Colleen Cashman have announced a class of four recruits ahead of the 2024-25 season.

“I’m very excited about our incoming class of golfers,” said Cashman. “They are all competitive, have winning resumes, and are excellent students in the classroom. They know the history and expectations of winning championships while maintaining high GPAs and I believe they are up to the challenge. I expect they will all work hard and continue to bring the program to its highest level over their next four years. It is extra special to be carrying on two traditions with our second Great Dane from the UK, Jessica [Brown], and our third and fourth Great Danes from Hawaii, Mia [Cepeda] and Madison [Kuratani]! Each of the four athletes are playing lots of golf this summer and I know they will be ready to make an immediate impact right away!”

Hailing from three different countries, the incoming class will head to the USA from all over the world. With one heading west from England and one heading south from Canada, the Great Danes will also welcome two players from Hawaii.

Jessica Brown

5-5 | London, England | Mossbourne Community Academy

Quick Facts: Jessica Brown is an IMG Academy qualifier who won the Middlesex Outstanding Achievement Award. A Ladies Club Champion, she was a member of England’s regional squad.

Cashman on Brown: “Jess will bring a quiet enthusiasm to the team this fall. She has played lots of competitive golf in the last few months. She has only gotten stronger and stronger on the golf course and in the weight room. She is definitely ready to play some college golf!”

Why Brown chose UAlbany: “I chose UAlbany due to knowing a woman, Megan Henry, who played golf as a Great Danes for five years. She always said how much she enjoyed it there and how much she loved Coach Cashman. After speaking with Coach, I knew UAlbany was the place for me!”

Mia Cepeda

5-4 | Hauula, Hawaii | Kahuku High & Immediate

Quick Facts: The 2019 Drive Chip and Putt National Qualifier, Cepeda finished fourth at the 2024 HHSAA Golf Championships and the 2022 FCG International. She added accolades with an eighth-place finish in the 2021 Pure Insurance Championship before becoming a US Girls Junior Qualifier in 2022.

Cashman on Cepeda: “Mia comes to us with a high golf IQ as she is the daughter of a golf pro! She’s very accurate off the tee, has a solid short game, and is a good putter. She was highly recruited by some top schools and has a strong desire to play often, work hard, and continue to improve. I think Mia might be the jokester of the team so we shall see if that’s true!”

Why Cepeda chose UAlbany: “I chose UAlbany because of the amazing things I have heard about the school, location, and athletics. There appears to be a great amount of pride and love for the school and that is something I really appreciate.”

Madison Kuratani

5-2 | Kapolei, Hawaii | Punahou School

Quick Facts: Competing with her high school, Kuratani was a member of the HHSAA State Champion team in 2022 and 2024. In her final season of high school, she provided leadership as the captain of the 2024 team. 

Cashman on Kuratani: “Madison has a cool, calm, and collected demeanor all around. She is a great ball striker and, honestly, plays boring golf, which is a great thing, hitting lots of fairways and greens. I think Madison is just starting what is to become her best golf, and she will be a great addition with her attitude and desire to win.”

Why Kuratani chose UAlbany: “I chose UAlbany because I believed that it was the best school that would be able to provide me the academic and athletic support I need.”

Callie Taylor

5-3 | Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Canada | Kennebecasis Valley High | Appalachian State

Quick Facts: Taylor is coming off an amateur win for her summer competition - the New Brunswick Women’s Amateur after winning the U19 NB Provincial Championship. During her first season in collegiate golf, she broke 70 for the first time in her career while competing with Appalachian State. The 2022 New Brunswick Golf Player of the Year also won her team’s MVP award as a senior and the Thelma Barnes award for most improved in 2021.

Cashman on Taylor: “Callie is a great addition as she already has a year of college golf experience under her belt. She has worked hard on her swing, increasing her driver swing speeds to 100+ mph, resulting in hitting the ball that much further! In the past year, she has really improved her short game and confidence, which has resulted in some great scores this summer. Callie and I had a mutual golf friend in common and our connection was meant to be. I can’t wait to see her play some golf in person!”

Why Taylor chose UAlbany: “UAlbany stood out to me at first glance. The school has strong academics along with a great golf program. The location looks amazing and the campus is beautiful! When Coach Cashman reached out to me, I immediately knew this was the one. The more I looked into the school, the more I wanted to go. It was almost a gut feeling and I am very grateful that it worked out. I can’t wait to see what UAlbany is going to bring!”

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