As the sun rises over Midland Country Club and the field sets its sights on the prestigious Dow Championship, the University of Nebraska finds itself not just as a spectator, but a proud contributor to the global golfing conversation. With Kate Smith, a decorated Husker alum, and current student-athletes Jessica Jolly and Kaleigh Babineaux stepping into the national spotlight, the Cornhuskers are making their presence known far beyond the fairways of Lincoln.
This isn’t just another tournament—it’s a testament to Nebraska’s expanding footprint in the world of elite women’s golf.
Kate Smith: The Alumna With a Legacy in Her Swing
There’s a reason the name Kate Smith resonates with reverence in Husker athletic circles. A former All-American and one of the most decorated players in Nebraska Women’s Golf history, Smith’s legacy is stitched into the fabric of the program. From record-breaking performances to leadership both on and off the green, she set a standard future Huskers now strive to meet.
Now teeing it up as a professional, Smith enters the Dow Championship not only as a competitor, but as a shining example of what a Nebraska golfer can become. Her journey from the collegiate ranks to the professional circuit is more than inspiring—it’s a model of progression, perseverance, and passion.
Her invitation to such a prestigious tournament reinforces what Husker fans have long known: Kate Smith isn’t just playing the game—she’s reshaping it.
Jessica Jolly & Kaleigh Babineaux: The Present Stars of Nebraska Golf
While Smith represents the proud past and promising professional present, Jessica Jolly and Kaleigh Babineaux embody the program’s exciting future.
Jessica Jolly, a fierce competitor with a consistent swing and mental fortitude, has steadily emerged as one of Nebraska’s most reliable players. With a resume that reflects grit, growth, and game-by-game elevation, her entry into the Dow Championship is both earned and symbolic of her upward trajectory.
Kaleigh Babineaux, meanwhile, brings flair and finesse to the course. Known for her fearless approach and strategic acumen, Babineaux is exactly the kind of athlete Husker coaches rave about—a student of the game, an athlete of character, and a leader with limitless upside.
For both Jolly and Babineaux, the Dow Championship is more than just a tournament. It’s a proving ground. A place to show that Nebraska’s training, culture, and commitment to excellence translates onto the national stage.
The Dow Championship: More Than Just a Tournament
Set in Midland, Michigan, the Dow Championship isn’t your average event. As part of the LPGA Tour, it features some of the best talent in the world, blending team-based competition with elite individual play. For Nebraska’s golfers, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the intensity of pro-level golf while showcasing their skills on a global platform.
Participation alone is an achievement. Performing well? That’s legacy-making.
Husker Golf: Building a Brand of Excellence
There was a time when Nebraska wasn’t mentioned in the same sentence as the powerhouses of collegiate golf. That time is over. With alumni like Kate Smith forging professional paths and current stars like Jolly and Babineaux rising through the ranks, Husker Golf is building a brand steeped in resilience, technical discipline, and unrelenting ambition.
Head coach Jeanne Sutherland and her staff have quietly—but effectively—crafted a program that’s not just competitive in the Big Ten, but increasingly recognized on a national scale. The Dow Championship participation is further proof of that evolution.
Final Thoughts: Husker Pride on the National Stage
As the trio of Smith, Jolly, and Babineaux gears up for the Dow Championship, one thing is abundantly clear: this is not a one-off moment—it’s part of a broader movement. A movement that sees Nebraska Golf not as an underdog, but as an emerging power. A program capable of developing elite talent and sending it out to compete among the sport’s best.
To Kate Smith, Jessica Jolly, and Kaleigh Babineaux: Best of luck on the course—but know this—you’ve already made Nebraska proud. And as the Huskers tee it up on this grand stage, the world gets a front-row seat to the standard of excellence being cultivated in Lincoln.
Game on. Gears up. Eyes forward. Let’s go, Huskers. ️♀️
Follow their journey and the program’s continued rise on Nebraska Women’s Golf’s official platforms and support the next generation of Cornhusker champions.
