Northwestern University Athletics
Kim, Komoto, Lau Receive 2016 Big Ten Preseason Honors
8/31/2016 3:08:00 PM | Women's Golf
EVANSTON, Ill. – Senior Kacie Komoto, junior Hannah Kim and sophomore Stephanie Lau were recognized as preseason honorees by the Big Ten Conference on Wednesday. The trio are three of Northwestern's five returning All-Big Ten performers in 2016-17.
In just two years, Kim has built one of the most accomplished resumes in the history of Northwestern golf. Last season became the first WGCA First Team All-American in women's program history, and the first Northwestern golfer (male or female) to earn First Team All-America honors since former world No. 1 Luke Donald. She was also recognized as a Second Team All-American by Golfweek. In May, Kim was honored as the Big Ten Player of the Year for the second straight season. She owns two of the Top-7 single-season scoring averages in program history, including the best-ever this year, as well as the lowest career scoring average in the Northwestern women's golf record book.
The Chula Vista, California, native broke the Wildcats tournament scoring record with a blistering 199 to win the Hurricane Invitational in March, shaving seven strokes off the previous record. Kim recorded five Top-10 finishes, and nine in the Top-20, in ten starts during the 2015-16 regular-season, and earned Academic All-Big Ten distinction in her first year of eligibility.
Lau received Second Team All-America laurels from the WGCA, and Third Team recognition from Golfweek following a sterling rookie campaign. She was Northwestern's top finisher at the 2016 NCAA Championships (T11) and then 2016 Big Ten Championships (T4). She secured the title for the Wildcats on Sunday with a must-have, 10-foot par putt on No. 18. The Big Ten Freshman of the Year ranked second on the team, and in the Conference, in scoring average (72.13), recorded more rounds in the 60's this season than any Wildcats golfer (6), and led the team in rounds played at par-or-better (20). The Fullerton, California, native established the school 54-hole scoring record (since broken) en route to a season-best third-place finish at the Mason Rudolph Invitational in the fall.
Earlier this spring Komoto became the fifth Wildcats golfer in program history to earn three All-Big Ten honors in a career with a 2016 First Team nod. She led the Wildcats this season with six Top-10 finishes, including four Top-4 results. The Honolulu, native owns the second-best career scoring average in program history, and the third-lowest single-season average (2015-16). Komoto has received Academic All-Big Ten honors in each of her first two seasons of eligibility.
Komoto has also been one of Northwestern's busiest competitors during the summer. The rising senior advanced through Stage I of LPGA Qualifying last weekend, and previously advanced to the match play portion of both the 2016 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship and the 114th North & South Championship.
Northwestern will open the fall campaign on Sept. 12 at the Dick McGuire Invitational in Albuquerque.
In just two years, Kim has built one of the most accomplished resumes in the history of Northwestern golf. Last season became the first WGCA First Team All-American in women's program history, and the first Northwestern golfer (male or female) to earn First Team All-America honors since former world No. 1 Luke Donald. She was also recognized as a Second Team All-American by Golfweek. In May, Kim was honored as the Big Ten Player of the Year for the second straight season. She owns two of the Top-7 single-season scoring averages in program history, including the best-ever this year, as well as the lowest career scoring average in the Northwestern women's golf record book.
The Chula Vista, California, native broke the Wildcats tournament scoring record with a blistering 199 to win the Hurricane Invitational in March, shaving seven strokes off the previous record. Kim recorded five Top-10 finishes, and nine in the Top-20, in ten starts during the 2015-16 regular-season, and earned Academic All-Big Ten distinction in her first year of eligibility.
Lau received Second Team All-America laurels from the WGCA, and Third Team recognition from Golfweek following a sterling rookie campaign. She was Northwestern's top finisher at the 2016 NCAA Championships (T11) and then 2016 Big Ten Championships (T4). She secured the title for the Wildcats on Sunday with a must-have, 10-foot par putt on No. 18. The Big Ten Freshman of the Year ranked second on the team, and in the Conference, in scoring average (72.13), recorded more rounds in the 60's this season than any Wildcats golfer (6), and led the team in rounds played at par-or-better (20). The Fullerton, California, native established the school 54-hole scoring record (since broken) en route to a season-best third-place finish at the Mason Rudolph Invitational in the fall.
Earlier this spring Komoto became the fifth Wildcats golfer in program history to earn three All-Big Ten honors in a career with a 2016 First Team nod. She led the Wildcats this season with six Top-10 finishes, including four Top-4 results. The Honolulu, native owns the second-best career scoring average in program history, and the third-lowest single-season average (2015-16). Komoto has received Academic All-Big Ten honors in each of her first two seasons of eligibility.
Komoto has also been one of Northwestern's busiest competitors during the summer. The rising senior advanced through Stage I of LPGA Qualifying last weekend, and previously advanced to the match play portion of both the 2016 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship and the 114th North & South Championship.
Northwestern will open the fall campaign on Sept. 12 at the Dick McGuire Invitational in Albuquerque.
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!
Players Mentioned
Women's Golf - Emily Fletcher Joins B1G Today (5/27/25)
Wednesday, May 28
Women's Golf - NCAA National Championship Match Cinematic Recap (5/21/25)
Thursday, May 22
Women's Golf - 'Cats Claim First National Championship in Program History (5/21/25)
Thursday, May 22
Women's Golf - 'Cats Defeat Ducks to Punch Ticket to National Championship (5/21/25)
Wednesday, May 21
