STUDENT-ATHLETE ACCOLADES
MANHUA CHEN -
UNIVERSITY OF
WASHINGTON (DI)
Bishops Gate Golf Academy (BGGA) student Manhua
Chen officially committed to play women’s golf for
University of Washington, a team ranked 17th in the
nation.
“Petr is a really bubbly, feisty kid and I love his
competitive energy,” added Murray. “He really embraces
team golf, has represented his country on numerous
occasions and has done so with huge passion. He is
an ideal fit for us. Not only is he an extremely talented
player but he is exactly what we need. He’s very
determined on the course and skillful and we believe he
will have a bright future here at UW.”
The University of Washington women’s golf team is
led by three-time Pac-10 Coach of the Year, Mary Lou
Mulflur. UW women’s golf team is one of the nation’s
most competitive teams each year, capped by their
first NCAA National Championship in 2016. In the 2018
season, the Dawgs finished fifth at the NCAA Tallahassee
Regional to earn a bid to the Championships. At NCAA’s,
UW went on to earn a spot on the final day of stroke
play to tie for 9th, just missing the cut for match play.
Washington’s finish was its third best in UW history.
The Huskies just wrapped up a fall campaign that saw
them face some very tough competition, consistently
going up against the nation’s best on some of the best
courses in the country. The Dawgs also won the Husky
Invitational and will get back on the course Jan. 28-29 at
the Arizona Intercollegiate.
Hruby came to BGGA with the intention of just training
during the winter. He liked it so much that he stayed to
finish out the school year and returned for his senior
year.
“I wanted a place to play in the winter,” said Hruby. “I was
only supposed to stay at BGGA for four months, but I
liked it a lot and decided to stay.”
While Hruby’s ultimate goal is to play professional golf,
he knows college is the path that will get him there.
“BGGA College Planning and Placement team was
instrumental in the college process,” said Hruby.
Hruby feels the college environment won’t be that
different from what he’s experienced at BGGA. Hopefully
Washington will have the same “family” feel that BGGA
has as that is what Hruby said he would miss the most
when he leaves.
Chen, 17, from Guangdong, China, won The 51st Annual
Dropping Junior Championship earlier this year which
signified her growth as a golfer. Recently Chen qualified
for the 2019 U.S. Women’s Four-Ball at Timuquana
Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida.
“It is very nice to see Wendy taking actions toward her
dreams,” said BGGA Senior Coach Manuel Bermudez. “I
know she will have a positive impact and do great things
at University of Washington. She has her future in her
hands.”
“Wendy always has a smile on her face but don’t let that
fool you, she is a fierce competitor, a great golfer, and an
even better person.” stated BGGA Senior Coach Keegan
Fennessy.
Go Huskies!
THE GATE | DECEMBER 2018
11