Jan. 21, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s golf newcomers Marion Veysseyre and Marianna Monaco participated in their first practices as Gamecocks last week after joining the team following the start of the spring semester.

Veysseyre, a native of Lachapelle-Auzac, France, brings an impressive resume to South Carolina. The freshman was ranked No. 1 in the European Girls’ U18 rankings in 2014, and she competed on the French National team at the 2015 European Ladies Team Championship in Denmark. Veysseyre captured the 2013 French Amateur Ladies Championship before grabbing medalist honors at the ANNIKA Invitational Europe in 2014.

Monaco comes to South Carolina after two successful seasons at Newberry College. The Yonkers, N.Y., native was named the 2013-14 South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Freshman of the Year and received All-SAC First Team accolades in both seasons while competing for the Wolves. She tallied six top-10 finishes as a sophomore on her way to the SAC Player of the Year award.

The pair took time on Tuesday to reflect on their first few practice sessions as members of the South Carolina women’s golf program.

Marion Veysseyre | Freshman | Lachapelle-Auzac, France
On how the first week of practice with the Gamecocks went
“Everything went well and the team has been very nice to me. I had the chance to see all the different golf courses they practice at, and they were all very nice.”

On what she’s enjoyed the most since joining the program this semester
“I have been impressed with the facilities and I really like how the team practices.”

On what her goals are heading into the spring season
“I would like to participate in all the tournaments and I want to improve my power on the golf course. Courses here are long, and that’s something I need to work on.”

Marianna Monaco | Junior | Yonkers, N.Y.
On how the first week of practice with the Gamecocks went
“I didn’t really know what to expect coming into the first week, but I knew I had to work hard. My schedule has been very structured, and it’s allowed me to put in a lot of hours out on the course with my dedicated teammates.”

On what drew her to transferring to South Carolina
“Puggy (Blackmon) has been around the game of golf for a really long time, and he has a lot of knowledge on the sport. That’s what I needed, and Kalen (Anderson) has done a great job here leading the Gamecocks to the NCAA Championships in each of the last six seasons.”

On what her goals are heading into the spring season
“I want to work on my short game and execute up-and-downs at a higher percentage. Ultimately, I want to make the travel squad this season, and I want to work as hard as I can to bring my scoring average down.”