Emily Price came to Kent State in the fall as a junior transfer student from the University of South Carolina looking for a better team environment and a chance to prove herself. 

“To come somewhere and have an environment I’d say is more family-orientated is really refreshing,” Price said. “It’s been really easy to transition. I’m enjoying it here. I think it was the right choice for me in my career with golf and school.”

The native of Ludlow, England, was named Mid-American Conference Golfer of the Week after tying for third in her first appearance as a Golden Flash in the UCF Challenge. 

There she shot a seven-under-par 65 in her first round, the second-lowest score in KSU history.

“I think she’s been a great fit for our team and has the leadership,” coach Lisa Strom said. “She already has that experience at a really high level.”

Over the summer, Price won the English Women’s Amateur Championship. 

Price had South Carolina’s all-time-best freshman average of 72.81. She made Golfweek’s All-American Third Team and was a Women’s Golf Coaches Association All-American Honorable Mention.

“She just stepped right in and filled in where we anticipated,” Strom said. “It was neat to have her do that. I think that goes to show you the level of golf that she is capable of.”

Price has made a goal this semester to be focused and driven.

“I have really upped the volume of practice and the intensity level,” Price said. “I’ll put in more hours and the work I do is specific to what I need to improve on while maintaining the things that I’m good at.”

As the season continues, Price said she needs to concentrate completely for 18 holes of golf for 100% of the time. 

“For me, it’s making no mistakes,” Price said. “If I make no mistakes, I’m fully focused, then I know I’m going to be fine and come with a good score.”

After having golf taken from her because of COVID-19, Price said she won’t take it for granted.

“I just want to play the best golf I can play, and I want to be the best person I can be to my teammates on and off the golf course,” Price said. “That’s what I’m striving towards each day.”

Pilar Lewis is a sports reporter. Contact her at [email protected].