(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) Westmont head coach Tom Knecht has announced the signing of Rory Derr of Leucadia to play women's golf beginning next fall in the program's inaugural year.

"Rory will always occupy a special place at Westmont as the first woman to sign a golf scholarship in the program's history," said Knecht. "She is an excellent golfer and an excellent leader. I expect that Rory will be the cornerstone of our program for years to come."

Derr is not unfamiliar with helping new programs get started. For two years, she played on the boys' team before Santa Fe Christian High School started a girls' team in her senior year.

Derr qualified for the CIF San Diego Section Girls' Golf Championship in her freshman, sophomore and senior seasons. This year, as team captain, she was team MVP and a first team All-Coastal League selection.

"The second I stepped on campus, there was an overwhelming feeling of community and that is when I knew Westmont was meant for me," said Derr about her decision to attend Westmont. "I am hoping to gain even more leadership skills, along with helping to build a tight-knit family with not only my team, but also with the rest of the Westmont community."

Derr has several non-high school accomplishments to her credit including a first place finish in the San Diego Junior Golf Association Tournament. The local putting champion at the PGA Drive, Chip and Put competition, Derr advanced to the sub-regional qualifier which she also won. She also placed first in the putting discipline at the 2017 College Combine.

https://athletics.westmont.edu/news/2019/4/9/190409_WGOLF.aspx