UIS senior golfer Elaine Grant competed at the NCAA Division II Women's Golf Championship Tuesday through Thursday, tying for 19th, which marks the best-ever finish for a UIS golfer at nationals.

"Finishing in the top 20 at the national championship is something I'll always remember," said Grant. "I wanted to enjoy every moment because I knew this would be my final tournament of my college career. I am grateful to be able to end my time as a student-athlete competing against some of the best players in Division II. Looking back, all the early mornings, long practices, travel, and hard work over the last four years made this moment even more meaningful. I'm incredibly grateful for my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who supported me throughout the journey. This is definitely a memory I'll carry with me for a long time."

Grant carded rounds of 78, 71, and 77 at the demanding PGA National course, finishing with a three-round total of 226 to secure her top-20 finish. She finished just one stroke behind UMSL's Wilma Zanderau, the top golfer in the field from the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Zanderau and Grant have competed against each other for years, both representing their schools and the GLVC on the biggest stages in Division II golf.

Her standout moment came in Wednesday's second round, where she posted a one-under 71 despite rain delays. She remained steady throughout the round, highlighted by an eagle on the 14th hole.

For the week, Grant averaged 3.08 on par 3s, 4.20 on par 4s, and 5.25 on par 5s. She was one of only five golfers in the field to record an eagle and also finished inside the top 10 in total birdies with eight.

It caps an outstanding career for the senior from Chillicothe, Ill., who qualified for nationals twice during her time at UIS.

"Watching Elaine compete against the best women's golfers in the country and finish in the top 20 on one of the most demanding courses most teams saw all year was something special," said head coach Josh Edison. "The way she battled all week, especially posting under par in the second round on such a difficult golf course, really showed the level of player and competitor she is.

"I'm incredibly proud of all the work she has put in to reach this point. Elaine has been such an outstanding teammate, leader, and representative of UIS throughout her entire career. It's easy to coach talent and discipline when someone possesses both at such a high level, and Elaine has a tremendous amount of each. What she accomplished this week was a reflection of years of commitment, consistency, and belief in herself.

"More than golf, I'm proud of the person she is and the impact she's had on our program. She has had an incredible career at UIS, and I have no doubt she will continue accomplishing great things throughout her life and career."

The individual national champion was Amely Bochaton from Wingate, who finished 13-under overall. The second-place golfer finished at even par. The top teams advance to Friday and Saturday to decide the team championship.