Women's Golf Announces 2019 Signing Class

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s golf coach Kalen Anderson has officially unveiled her entire 2019 signing class, announcing the addition of international recruits Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, Mathilde Claisse and Smith Knaffle.

This year’s class includes talented players both domestically and internationally, boasting top finishes in highly competitive tournament across the world. 

“I’m so excited to announce one of  the best recruiting classes in Gamecock women’s golf history,” head coach Kalen Anderson said. “Although freshmen, this 2019 class brings extensive tournament experience that parallels, and often times exceeds, the veteran players on most teams.   The competitive experience of the 2019 class includes a few of the following elite international events: US Women’s Amateur, British Women’s Amateur, US Girls’ Jr, British Girls Jr, World Amateur Team Championship, Youth Olympic Games, Junior Solheim Cup, Junior Ryder Cup, European Girls Team Championship, European Ladies Team Championship, European Ladies Stroke Play Championship, World Junior Girls’ Championship.  This class is extremely dedicated to their improvement and achieving their future goals. I look forward to the competitive energy they will bring, as well as their overall commitment to excellence. Once adjusted, I believe that the 2019 class will make significant contributions to our golf program as a team and individually.

Mathilde Claisse
Poissy, France • Cned

• Ranked No. 31 in the European Golf Rankings 
• Currently ranked No. 103 in World Amateur Golf Rankings and has been as high as No. 69
• Finished as the Runner-up at the European Ladies Amateur Team Championship
• Intends to major in Sport Management
• 2017 Junior Solheim Cup Team participant
• Competed for France at the 2018 Youth Olympics
• Member of French National Team, participated in European Girls Team Championships and European Ladies Team Championships
• 18-hole career best is five-under-par, which she has achieved four separate times 
• Career goals include becoming a professional golfer on the LPGA
• Began playing golf at the age of five
• Daughter of Dominique and Franck Claisse 

Claisse on why she chose South Carolina
“I think it’s the best place to achieve what I want to do: being a good student meanwhile I’m training hard at golf.”

Anderson on Claisse
“I’ve been following Mathilde’s game from a young age, and I have been impressed with her growth and advancement over the past several years.  Mathilde has a highly developed skill set, along with a very professional attitude and work ethic. Mathilde’s overall game is one of the most solid I’ve witnessed in junior golf. She has played and achieved at the highest levels of junior and amateur competitions worldwide, while also representing the French National Team and reaching 69th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. I am excited to help Mathilde prepare herself mentally, as well as continue to help her refine her skills, in pursuit of achieving her extensive goals.”

Pauline Roussin-Bouchard
Carqueiranne, France • Cned

• Ranked No. 7 in the European Golf Rankings
• Currently ranked at No. 132 in World Amateur Golf Rankings and has been as high as No. 64
• Was a part of 2018 World Amateur Team representing France
• Played on the 2016 Junior Ryder Cup Team
• Member of French National Team that participated in European Girls Team Championships and European Ladies Team Championships
• Finished in third place overall at the European Girls Team Championships
• Owns course record in St. Andrews Links New Course at seven-under-par during an 18-hole round
• Holds record at St. Rules Trophy after three rounds at 14-under-par
• Member of French team that won the European Young Master in 2015
• Winner at the Women’s French Championship
• Winner at the Spanish International Storke Play in 2016
• Career goals include winning major at LPGA level, especially the Evian Championship. Also wants to be a part of the Solheim Cup Team multiple times and win at Augusta 
• Has practiced judo and boxing
• Daughter of Marielle and Yann Roussin-Bouchard

Roussin-Bouchard on why she chose South Carolina
“I felt in love with South Carolina when I came to visit. I knew South Carolina was the best choice I could make to achieve my goals. The facilities on the campus are just wonderful and varied. Kalen and Puggy are also a reason of why I chose South Carolina. Their professionalism, their knowledge and their personality will be a huge advantage in every field, life and golf. Being a part of this team is a big honor.”

Anderson on Roussin-Bouchard
“Pauline brings an equally impressive international playing resume. As an elite member of the French National Team, Pauline has represented France in several international competitions, accumulated several individual victories throughout Europe, as well as has reached 64th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking during her junior golf career. Pauline’s talent level is extensive, and she has proven her ability to “go very low”.  I’m equally excited about the positive energy and enthusiasm of her personality within our team environment. I’m looking forward to assisting Pauline throughout the process of attaining her comprehensive goals.”

Smith Knaffle
Murrells Inlet, S.C. • St. James High School

• National Honor Society member
• National Art Honor Society member
• Rho Kappa member
• Grandfather Ken Folkes played at Wake Forest University where he was a two-time All-American
• Six-time varsity letterwinner in golf
• 18-hole career best is eight-under-par
• Back-to-back individual State Champion
• All-State selection
• 2017 4A State Player of the Year
• Four-time Toast of the Coast Player of the Year
• Three-time Team State Champion
• Intends to major in Finance
• Career goals include becoming an All-American and win an SEC and National Championship at South Carolina

Knaffle on why she chose South Carolina
“I was raised in a Gamecock household with many family members that have degrees from the University including my mom, Sloan Knaffle. Along with the standing history within my family, I chose the University of South Carolina because of the great opportunities available to me in Columbia. Under the leadership of Coach Anderson and Coach Blackmon, I believe that as a team we have the ability to compete and win championships. They have a proven track record of developing players, and I knew I wanted to be a part of their program. The practice facility is amazing and very accessible, in addition to the multitude of golf courses available for us to play in Columbia. Also, the campus is beautiful, and I can earn the degree of my choice in the top ranked Darla Moore School of Business.”
Anderson on Knaffle
“Smith has compiled a strong junior golf record within the South Carolina, and has established herself as one the dominant female golfers in our state.  Smith has held the number one junior ranking within South Carolina, and has gained competitive experience at the national level. Smith holds an enthusiastic pride for the Gamecocks that will be valuable.  I look forward to helping Smith develop her game, and assist her in the positive impact that she can make on our program.”