ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany Women's golf team is set for another exciting season in 2025-26, starting the year off with a rivalry matchup against Siena in the annual Crosstown Challenge Friday afternoon.
Building Off Last Season
The team enters 2025–26 looking to build on a successful campaign that ended with a runner-up finish at the MAAC Championship. Several golfers placed inside the top 15, and the team showed the ability to post solid rounds in high-pressure situations. With proven veterans, a talented sophomore class, and exciting newcomers, the Great Danes are ready to challenge for another conference title.
Returners
- Lucia Esteban (Sr.) – T-8th at the 2025 MAAC Championship and previously finished third individually in 2024; a consistent performer and team leader.
- Thantita Aungsuseewong (Sr.) – Provides depth and senior leadership as one of the team's most experienced players.
- Nicole Criscone (Jr.) – MAAC All-Academic honoree who contributed throughout the season.
- Callie Taylor (Jr.) – Brings valuable experience and competed at the MAAC, finishing T-20.
- Madison Kuratani (So.) – Immediate impact player as a freshman, tying for 6th at the MAAC Championship with a second round score of 70, one of the lowest scores in the field.
- Mia Cepeda (So.) – Closed her debut season with a T-11 fins at the MAAC Championship, showing steady growth in her first year with the team.
- Jessica Brown (So.) – Added depth to the lineup with a T-16th finish at the conference championship.
New Faces
Two freshmen bolster the 2025–26 roster:
- Jasmine Furstenburg (George, Western Cape, South Africa) – UAlbany's first-ever left-handed golfer, bringing a +3 handicap and international experience.
- Diane Becassis (Narbonne, France) – Adds international depth as the second French golfer in program history.
Fall Schedule
The Great Danes will test themselves against strong regional competition this fall with a balanced mix of home and road tournaments:
- Sept. 12– Crosstown Challenge – Pinehaven Country Club (Guilderland, N.Y.)
- Sept. 21–22– Nittany Lion Invitational – State College, Pa.
- Oct. 4–5– Princeton Invitational – Princeton, N.J.
- Oct. 12–13– UAlbany Great Danes Invitational – Normanside Country Club (Delmar, N.Y.)
- Oct. 20–21– Lady Dolphins Invitational – Syracuse, N.Y.
Head Coach Colleen Cashman on the Fall Schedule: "Our schedule this upcoming year once again boasts tons of high-level competition, including a few new events to look forward to. Not to mention that we have brought back the Crosstown Challenge against Siena, at a new venue on a Friday afternoon, to begin our season and get the team excited to play in front of their family and friends. Next up, we will head to the Big Ten and compete at Penn State, followed by an Ivy League matchup at Princeton. Most excitingly though, we are once again hosting our 15-team home tournament at Normanside Country Club. Normanside is always welcoming and very challenging. Highlighted by committed teams like Boston University, St. John's, Seton Hall and Siena, the event looks to be a fantastic home three-day experience for all the players to compete in while sleeping in their own beds. Lastly, to conclude the season, we will head two hours west to Syracuse to play in the Inaugural Le Moyne Invitational, where we will be looking to bring home the team title to finish out the season on a high note! Everyone is looking forward to a few new tournaments and lots of fun for sure!"
Coaching Staff Update
The 2025–26 season also brings a new addition to the coaching staff, as
Thomas Strandemo joins head coach
Colleen Cashman. A former standout at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Strandemo was a two-time All-America Scholar and competed professionally across the globe, including in the United States, Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East. His international background and competitive experience will be a valuable asset for the Great Danes as he focuses on player development and team growth.
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