Golf is a sport at the high school level where you only play six individuals as part of the varsity starting line-up. Four scores count toward the team score in any given meet. This makes it even more impressive to have two individuals in the same graduating class poised to play collegiately at their respective schools.
Paige Thompson and Carmen Jirele – both seniors on the Owatonna High School girls golf team – have signed letters of intent to each play at the Division II level. Both are headed out of state with one heading a little further West than the other.
Thompson has inked her intentions to play for Colorado Christian University. CCU – located in Lakewood, Colorado – is a mere 17 miles Southwest of Denver. After touring some locally, Thompson also expanded her horizons to CCU and the rest is history. “I emailed the coach, researched the school and the coach wanted me to tour back in early September,” Thompson stated. “I was able to stay with the team, tour the school and meet the girls and left with an offer.”
Although the offer happened, many people forget about how much led up to that moment.
“During your sophomore and junior season, you are trying to score low and talk to coaches,” Thompson said. “It feels more intense. I will play my senior season, followed by some tournaments this summer and hone in my game and get my yardages up before heading to Colorado.”
Thompson said that she will head out to Lakewood approximately a week before school starts to embark on her freshman season with the Cougars Women’s Golf Team. “We will take a team trip to play some qualifying rounds for the fall season while also doing some team bonding,” Thompson said. “We will play a handful of tournaments during the fall season.”
Jirele is slated to become a Viking and start her freshman season this fall at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. As a member of the Augustana Women’s Golf Team, she will join six other signees for the 2026-27 season.
As part of the journey to picking Augustana, Jirele recalled touring three schools in an intense two-day stretch. “I toured Winona, Augustana and USF [University of Sioux Falls],” Jirele said. “I really liked that Augustana was smaller and all in one area.”
For Jirele, she recalled her junior year as being the most stressful year in the whole recruitment process.
“I knew I wanted to golf, but it is a huge relief to have made the final decision,” Jirele said. “There is a lot of emailing and talking to coaches and trying to score and now it is time to enjoy the rest of the year. I am looking forward to the fun moments, enjoying all of the lasts and continuing to get better.”
After spending time with these two future collegiate golfers, I assure you that CCU and Augustana are getting more than two exemplary golfers – they are taking on two quality human beings as well.
Thompson’s CCU Website Link…
Jirele’s Augustana Website Link…
Until next month, hit ‘em long and straight – and most of all have fun!
THE HUSKY BULLETIN 