The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s golf program is built on a foundation of consistency and culture. As the 2025-26 season enters its final stretch, senior Emily Akers stands out as a primary member and blueprint for the team. The senior from Schaumburg, Illinois, reflected on her last four years with the Warhawks. 

Akers didn’t grow up playing golf, as she first picked up a club in middle school. She was inspired by watching her father’s love and passion for the game, which sparked her interest. 

Once Akers got to high school, she started contributing scores that helped her team succeed, which garnered interest from Whitewater. Akers realized she could bring this success to the collegiate level, and returned interest to the Warhawk program.

“The campus was the perfect size, and when I went on the recruit trip to Whitewater, the team and coach were very welcoming. I knew it was the right fit,” Akers said. 

Head coach Andrea Wieland noted that Akers was one of five recruits in her incoming class, and she stood out to coaches early on. 

“She stood out as someone who was a very hard worker and was very interested in the team atmosphere that we maintain,” Wieland said. 

When Akers got to Whitewater, she quickly realized how hard the transition from high school to college was. Aker’s freshman year tested her mental game and overall confidence. She learned how to be confident in herself and her swing. 

“Emily’s confidence in her own game has grown tremendously over the last four years,” Wieland said. “She has not only improved her skills, but has also gotten better at navigating her own game.” 

Golf is widely known as one of the most mentally challenging sports. Akers’ mental resilience was tested during her junior year at the Warhawks’ Fall Invite at TPC Wisconsin in Madison, a course known for its difficulty. She shot a career-low score of 98 and had to persevere.

“I’ve learned that mistakes will happen in golf and are inevitable. The most important thing I can do is to keep pushing forward and be present,” Akers said. 

On the smaller, tight-knit women’s golf roster, the role of a senior is typically to be a leader. Coach Wieland describes Akers, one of four seniors, as a quiet leader who her teammates follow by example.

As the season concludes, Akers focus remains on finishing the season strong and on a positive note. From seeing her father’s passion for the sport to becoming a top five starter for the golf team, Akers’ last four years have been defined by a significant shift in mental strategy and consistency. She aims to appreciate her senior year and the friendships she has built. 

“My goal for Emily is to finish strong and continue to have a strong passion for the sport,” Wieland said. 

The women’s golf team is back in action May 1, when they face Carthage College in a dual match.