FEATURE: Bulldog Women’s Golf Standout Kamryn Shannon Shines When It Matters, Leads Bulldogs to National Championships

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – Kamryn Shannon's star continues shining brightest when the moment is biggest — in clutch situations such as one she recently found herself in with a conference championship on the line.

Shannon, a senior from Jackson, clinched the title with a decisive 5UP win over Grand Valley State's Rachael Krieger in the final match, securing a 3.5-1.5 victory for the Bulldogs. She would earn medalist honors with a 1-over 73 on Sunday at the GLIAC Championship, April 18-19 in Augusta.

Shannon posted the low score in the 54-hole stroke-play portion of the event.

Gratifying as the individual medalist honor was, Shannon took greater pride in the Bulldogs' team performance to earn their sixth league championship by defeating Grand Valley State 3.5-1.5 in match play to secure the title.

The Bulldogs' dramatic win over a strong opponent made the title even sweeter.

"It's meant everything to me," Shannon said of the team success.

While Shannon led individually, the championship ultimately came down to the team's performance in match play.

"This group is really special, and to win a GLIAC championship the way we did made it even more unforgettable," she said.

The championship moment carried added meaning—it brought Shannon's career full circle.

"I was lucky enough to win it as a freshman. Now, to do it again as a senior, feels like I've come full circle," Shannon said as the Bulldogs won their second title in the last four seasons, as the 2023 championship was Ferris State's first since 2007. "It makes all the work we've put in over the years feel worth it."

Ferris State's storied success is something Shannon takes pride in extending.

"It's an honor," said Shannon, a three-time GLIAC Golfer of the Week during the season. "Ferris has a strong tradition. To be part of that and add another championship means a lot. It feels like we're continuing something bigger than just our team, and that's really special."

Shannon credits her golf consistency and focused mindset for the breakthrough.

"I'd say trusting my process and staying consistent have been the keys to success," she said. "I've focused on controlling what I can with my preparation and my mindset and not getting too caught up in results."
Shannon added, "This spring especially, I've just been playing with more confidence."

The championship momentum carried into the postseason as Ferris State headed to Findlay, Ohio (May 4-6), for the NCAA Division II East Regional at Findlay Country Club, eventually qualifying for the NCAA Division II National Championships this week in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

"I'm really excited. This is what we've been working toward all year," Shannon said. "I've got a lot of confidence and momentum in this team right now in this team, and we know we can compete with anyone."

The approach is simple.

"It's just about going out, playing our game and enjoying it," Shannon said.

This season marked the fifth consecutive year Ferris State earned a berth in the NCAA Division II East Regional Championships and a second consecutive trip to nationals.

While Shannon is eager to extend one of the most successful careers in program history, she's also focused on life beyond competition.

"I'm a Sports Communication major with minors in Event Management and Social Media/Digital Communication, and I graduate in May 2026," Shannon said. "After that, I plan to pursue professional golf while also working in coaching and player development."

First things first, however.

The Bulldogs are competing for a strong finish to their golf season in strong fashion.

And with Shannon leading the way, Ferris State will once again be ready when the moment demands it most.