The Gulf South Conference announced its first men’s and women’s golf weekly award recipients of the 2025-26 season, with performances based on tournaments from September 4-9.
GSC WOMEN’S GOLFER OF THE WEEK
Francesca De Roover, Sr., Montevallo
De Roover won the Montevallo Invitational held at Timberline Golf Club, marking her first career win. The senior captured the victory after defeating Union’s Brooklyn Verdugo in a one-hole playoff. De Roover had five birdies and completed the three-round tournament shooting 223 (+10). She carded back-to-back rounds of 76 in the opening two frames, before tallying a tournament-low 71 in the third round to force a playoff. Montevallo also won the season opener with a team score of 905.
Other nominees: Jordan Pigeon, Christian Brothers; Brooklyn Verdugo, Union
GSC WOMEN’S GOLF FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Polly McCrackin, Fr., Montevallo
McCrackin claimed a share of fifth-place at the Montevallo Invitational as she logged a 54-hole score of 231 18-over-par. The rookie finished with three birdies as she carded round of 75, 74, and 82 in her collegiate debut, while helping the Falcons win the season opener.
Other nominees: Hailey Westmoreland, AUM
GSC MEN’S GOLFER OF THE WEEK
Trace Robinson, Jr., Union
Robinson opened the season in winning fashion as he finished with a four-shot lead atop the field at the men’s edition of the Montevallo Invitational. The junior had 14 birdies across the three-round event, while carding scores of 65, 69, and 71. He was the only competitor to shoot par or better in each round, with his first-round score being a tournament-low. Robinson helped Union top the team leaderboard, shooting a collective 863.
Other nominees: Joseph Winterrowd, Christian Brothers; Zach Robertson, Mississippi College; Russell Boren III, Montevallo
GSC MEN’S FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Payne Bius, Fr., Delta State
In his collegiate debut, Bius shot 220 seven-over-par and finished in a tie for 11th at the Montevallo Invitational. The rookie’s performance was highlighted by a second-round score of 72 and sandwiched by a 74 in the first and third rounds. Bius, who had eight birdies during the two-day event, helped Delta State finish second in the team standings to open the season.
Other nominees: Ben Eichelberger, Mississippi College; Henry Ashley, Union
2025-26 GSC Women’s Golf Athletes of the Week
Sept. 11: Francesca De Roover, Montevallo (Golfer); Polly McCrackin, Montevallo (Freshman)
2025-26 GSC Men’s Golf Athletes of the Week
Sept. 11: Trace Robinson, Union (Golfer); Payne Bius, Delta State (Freshman)