Northwest Mississippi Community College Golf Teams Eye Improvement After Successful Season
The Northwest Mississippi Community College men’s and women’s golf teams are preparing for the upcoming season, aiming to improve upon their recent success. Head coach Adam Payne said the men’s team plans to compete in district and national championships after participation in the MACCC Championships last season. The women’s team earned a bid to the NJCAA Division II Women’s Golf National Championship.
Only four players return from the men’s team, including Cole Elander, Caesar Ingendorf, Atharv Sharma, and Davis Wilkins. Elander posted a top-10 finish at the Pearl River Wildcat Invitational, while Ingendorf finished in the top 25 in five events. Sharma, who had some struggles last spring, highlighted his third-place finish at the Rangers Classic as a season highlight. Wilkins, with limited competition experience last season, is expected to bring leadership to a young roster.
Payne praised the freshmen for their talent and quick team chemistry. Notable newcomers include Nicholas Little, who helped his high school team win the 2025 state championship and finished as the individual runner-up, Drew Tuccio, Cooper Phillips, and Mac Stacy. Payne expressed excitement about the potential of this talented group.
The women’s team will see two returners, Analeigh Little and Sarah Grace Niblett. Little finished eighth nationally and earned All-American honors after three second-place finishes last season. Niblett’s top result was a ninth-place finish at the NEMCC Women’s Spring Invitational. Payne called the sophomore leaders instrumental in fostering team chemistry and mentoring freshmen.
Freshmen Avery Baker and Rylee Claire Summerlin will also look to make an impact. Baker led Hernando High School to a third-place district finish and a trip to the MHSAA 7A Championship, while Summerlin helped Northwest Rankin High School secure two state championships. Payne said he is excited about the depth of talent in this recruiting class.
The men’s golf team will open the season at Tunica National Golf & Tennis on August 31 and September 1. They will also compete in events in Alabama, Meridian, and at the Charles Cooper Classic before wrapping up the fall schedule at the Jones College Invitational in November. The team plans to continue competing in the spring of 2027.
The women’s team will start their fall schedule at the Montevallo Invitational in Alabama before hosting the Rangers Invitational at River Bend Links in Tunica. They will also participate in tournaments at Roane State, Snead State, and Shelton State before concluding the fall season in November. Like the men’s team, the women will continue their season into spring 2027.
Payne noted that both programs are heading in positive directions in year three and emphasized the talent present. Updates on the teams can be found on the NWCC Rangers website and social media accounts.
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