MARAUDER WOMEN'S GOLFER MELODY GARCIA COMMITS TO BUSHNELL UNIVERSITY

Marauder Women's golfer Melody Garcia has accepted an offer to further her education and golf career at Bushnell University in Eugene, Oregon.

The recent graduate from AVC has her AA in Business Administration and plans to study Business Management at Bushnell. The university's remarkable faith is what initially attracted her to the private Christian school. " I have been working on my relationship with my religion for a while now, and I knew I had to go somewhere that was going to help me strengthen that relationship," she stated.

"The one-on-one learning environment I learned about during my campus tour last month gave me reassurance that I will not be lost in a large classroom and will have access to professors that will work with me to make sure I succeed at Bushnell," said Garcia.

Melody attended Highland High School before playing two seasons for the Marauders under Head Coach Patrick Londono. "Melody has been a great member of our golf program, and through her success both on and off the course, embodies everything we value at Antelope Valley College," said Londono. "I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to coach Melody at AVC, and I see great success for her in anything she is determined to accomplish in the future."

The Bushnell Beacons Women's Golf program is under the leadership of Head Coach Larry Watts. Watts arrived at Bushnell after a 30-year coaching career at the high school level and is known for his relational approach to education leadership and the importance of servant leadership.

What impressed Coach Watts the most about Garcia was her coachability and desire to improve. "Melody epitomizes hard work, learning something every day, and perseverance," remarked Watts. "She is bringing with her two years of collegiate golf experience at AVC, along with a strong work ethic... and welcome her to our program".

The Beacons compete in the NAIA's Cascade Collegiate Conference. They recently finished fifth at the CCC Championship and ended their season fourth in the CCC regular-season standings.