SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Converse University head golf coach Patti McGowan officially announced the signing Katie Culp (Greenville, S.C.), Avery Smith (Summerville, S.C.) of Lillian Bowman (Hickory, N.C.), on Friday.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome a talented freshman signing class to our team!" McGowan said. "This year, we have three exceptional players joining us, each bringing unique strengths and competitive spirit to our golf family. In South Carolina, both Katie and Avery have shown remarkable dedication and skill in their high school and junior golf careers. Their local roots and passion for the game are sure to inspire and elevate our team's performance. Joining us from North Carolina, Lilly's impressive competitive track record and vast competitive experience will undoubtedly add depth and dynamism to our roster. These young athletes embody the values of hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship. We are excited to see how their diverse experiences and talents will contribute to our success in the upcoming seasons".
 
Culp is a four-year letter winner, team captain for the Eastside High School Golf Team in 2024, and played in the number one position on the team all four years of high school. Culp was also a four-year All-Region selection and was named Region 2-AAAAA Player of the Year in 2022. Katie brings extensive competitive experience to the young Valkyries squad, having playing in elite invitational tournaments like "The Blade Junior Golf Classic" as well as being an active competitor in the Peggy Kirk Bell SC Series, SCJGA, and the GSA Junior Golf Tour. In additional to actively competing as a junior and high school golfer, Culp regularly volunteered to assist with concessions for the Eastside High booster club and assisted with special education students in Eastside High PE classes. Fun fact: Katie also competed on the Eastside Pickle Ball Club.
 
Smith is a six-year letter winner for the Ashley Ridge Golf Team. The Palmetto State native was named the Low Country Female Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2024, as well as the Ashley Ridge High "Best of Prep" Female Golfer of the Year in 2024. Smith was also the Regional Player of the Year from 2021-2023 and won the Holy City Cup Championship in 2024 – shooting her personal best 68/70 -6 for this two-day tournament! Besides being captain of the golf team, Smith was a member of Senior Club and has expansive competitive experience in high school as well as local and regional junior golf tours.
 
Bowman is a multi-sport athlete at Hickory High School, who competed in golf, basketball, and lacrosse. Bowman held a scoring average of 78 in high school and was a four-time All-Conference selection. Bowman was also a three-time Western Foothills Athletic Conference Player of the Year, a Four-time team MVP and was the 2022 North Carolina Western Region Individual Champion. In 2023, Bowman led her team to the 2023 Team Conference Championships. The Tar Heel State native concluded her prep career with a pair of top-10 finishes at the state championships. Bowman also finished inside the top-15 at the state championships twice in her career. Bowman won the Hickory High School 2025 William Coyne Memorial Female Athlete of the Year award. Outside of athletics, Bowman was the Vice President of National Honors Society, was a member of Beta Club, Hickory Girls Youth Council and the Hickory Helping Hands Club.

Please join us in welcoming Katie Culp, Avery Smith, and Lilly Bowman to our team. We look forward to a fantastic year of growth, competition, and camaraderie on and off the course!
For more information on the Converse University Golf Team, log onto govalkyries.com today.
 
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