Geneva's Stueland Makes History for UIC Women's Golf Program

Kayla Stueland will be forever known as a trailblazer.

"I was the first person to sign with UIC (the University of Illinois-Chicago) in their history," the Geneva resident said last week after final-round play at the Illinois Women’s Open in Romeoville.

Stueland, the only golfer—male or female—in (Wheaton) St. Francis High School history to qualify for the state tournament three times, is one of six freshmen recruits for the Horizon League program.
The Flames’ inaugural coach, Carol Rhoades, eyed Stueland upon finding out the 2011 St. Francis graduate was interested in the program.

"Actually, (Stueland) contacted me first," Rhoades said. "I knew that her dad (Dave) was an alum."

"That was a big deal," Stueland said of her father’s ties to the West Side school.

Rhoades was ubiquitous during St. Francis’ postseason run last fall.
Stueland gave an oral commitment to the Flames’ nascent program soon after the girls’ high school campaign ended last October.

"I was looking at prospective student-athletes," Rhoades said. "(My interest) blossomed when she committed. I usually don’t put much stock in verbal commitments. I’m really excited ... in what (Stueland) brings to the table.”

Stueland became the first recruit to sign with Rhoades’ program, turning down similar offers from Bradley and Lewis universities.

"We’re going to be pretty much all-freshmen," Stueland said.
Rhoades has no plans for the Flames’ newest  athletic program to be a punching bag.

"I think we’re going to be competitive in the Horizon League from the get-go," Rhoades said. "We want to be the city’s (women’s golf) school."

"I'm really excited (about its possibilities)," Stueland said.

Stueland made the cut of the Illinois Women’s Open last week after rounds of 81 and 77 made the 36-hole standard on the number at 14-over par 156.

he tournament committee considerably shortened the par-72 Mistwood Golf Course for second-round action after opening-day play on Wednesday sent scores soaring.

"The (final day on Friday) was a combination of (pin placements and course set-up) the first two days," Stueland. "The (par-3s were) a challenging tee shot."

Stueland toured the front nine in 4-over 40 and the came home in 39 to frame her 79, finishing in a tie for 26th with her 54-hole total of 237.

"I wanted to shoot all three rounds in the 70s," Stueland said of her primary goal. "I played pretty well (on Friday), not quite as well as I did (on Thursday)."

Wheaton native Jenna Pearson shot the low round of the tournament—a 4-under 68—to overcome a five-shot deficit and earn her second career Open championship.