BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southeastern Conference 2019 Class of Women’s Legends showcases former student-athletes and coaches from all 14 SEC member institutions.
On Monday’s and Thursday’s during the conference season, one individual will be highlighted on the SEC’s website and via social media.
The class will be honored at the 2019 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, March 6-10 in Greenville, S.C. Each legend will be honored during half-time of their teams first game of the tournament, all 14 individuals will also be honored as a group, as well as participate in an autograph session during the tournament. Complimentary posters of the Legends will be available at the session.
Former women’s golfer and head coach Karen Bahnsen is LSU’s representative in the 2019 class. Bahnsen has contributed a lasting legacy to LSU Golf that began for her as the very first recruit in the program’s history in 1979.
“After so long there are almost too many people to thank,” said Bahnsen. “Every year has brought with it student-athletes, parents, coaches, administrators, staff and supporters who have become my family and so incredibly important in my journey.”
After her career as a student-athlete in women’s golf at LSU, Bahnsen graduated in 1984 and became the head coach prior to the 1984-1985 season. In just two years, she had the number one player in the country, five team titles and a top NCAA Championship finish.
Her legacy as a true pioneer in women’s golf at LSU is unmatched. A Women’s Golf Coaches Association Hall of Famer, Bahnsen has long prioritized her role as a mentor and teacher for her student-athletes.
Bahnsen has also had great success on the course. In her 34 years, she has amassed a war chest of accomplishments.
Karen Bahnsen Career Highlights:
23 WGCA All-Americans
46 All-SEC
7 NCAA Top 10 Finishes (includes 3rd place finishes in 2011 & 2012)
12 NCAA Finals Appearances
1 NCAA Individual Champion (Austin Ernst, 2011)
40 Team Tournament Wins
1 SEC Championship
23 Former players on professional tours or serving as golf pros
33 WGCA Scholar-Athletes
124 Academic & Freshmen Academic All-SEC
2 SEC Coach of the Year
2008 Women’s Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame
2015 Mobile Sports Hall of Fame
Below is the list of the 2019 SEC Women’s Legends:
ALABAMA – Rick Moody; 1989-2005, Basketball (Coach)
ARKANSAS – Stacy Lewis; 2005-08, Golf
AUBURN –Katy Frierson Freels; 2008-11, Soccer
FLORIDA – Marshae Dotson; 2005-09, Basketball
GEORGIA – Kelly and Coco Miller; 1997-2001, Basketball
KENTUCKY – Sarah Rumely; 2006-09, Volleyball
LSU – Karen Mayson Bahnsen; 1980-1983 (Student-Athlete), 1984-2018 (Coach) Golf
OLE MISS – Teneeshia Jones-Boyd; 1999-2001, Track & Field
MISSISSIPPI STATE – Carri Wood; 1990-93, Golf
MISSOURI – Nancy Rutter; 1974-78, Basketball
SOUTH CAROLINA – Heather Larkin; 1994-97, Volleyball
TENNESSEE – Nicky Anosike; 2004-08, Basketball
TEXAS A&M – Courtney Walker; 2012-16, Basketball
VANDERBILT – Simone Charley; 2013-17, Soccer/Track & Field