April 18, 2007

SAN MARCOS - Texas State University women's golf coach Mike Akers inked four student-athletes to national letters of intent during his first spring signing period as the Bobcats' coach.

Signing with Texas State were Linn Gustafsson (Stockholm, Sweden), Sehee Kim (Maricopa, Ariz.), Trine Mortensen (Silkeborg, Denmark) and Amelie Bernsdorf (Hamburg, Germany).

"Today is the biggest day in the history of this program," said Akers who was named the Bobcats' head coach last fall. "The incoming freshmen along with our returning players will take this program to heights never imagined before. The recruiting for the '07 class could not have gone any better. The four prospects that just signed all want to play golf professionally but understand the importance of obtaining a degree first.

"I appreciate all of our signees trusting me in the vision that I share with them regarding the program and the direction we are heading. Next year will be a lot of fun."

Heading the list of signees is Gustafsson who is currently ranked No. 17 in the U.S. from just the four events she has played in the country. She has been a member of the Swedish National Team for the past four years.

"Linn is definitely one of the top juniors in the world," Akers said. "She had offers from two Top 20 programs but chose Texas State for the weather and an opportunity to become part of history. She will have a lot to do with potentially setting a lot of records at Texas State. The chances of Linn playing on the LPGA tour are very high."

Kim is currently ranked No. 53 in the United States. She moved from Canada to Arizona two years ago to have the climate to work on her golf game year round.

"Last summer Sehee played in five Arizona Golf Association events in a row. Her finishes were first, second, third, second and first," Akers said. "In those five events, Sehee's scoring average was 73.2. She was heavily recruited by more than 10 major universities."

Mortensen has been a member of the Danish National Team for the past three years and has played in numerous international competitions.

"In 2005, Trine captured the Danish International Ladies Amateur Championship by shooting a 78-73-72," Akers said. "She also finished in third at the Faxe Tour I with scores of 73-73-71 in 2006. Trine has a tremendous short game and is a hard worker."

Bernsdorf actually played competitive tennis throughout her childhood and has only begun to focus on golf the past two years.

"Amelie is a diamond in the rough," Akers said. "She has an incredible golf swing and hits the ball long. Her improvements from year to year have been incredible. I look forward to watching her continue to improve and break par consistently.

"Amelie's dream is to study and play golf in the United States. I am glad her dream is coming true at Texas State."