Kentucky Welcomes Junior Golf Star Samantha Paradise to Strong Team

Tampa, Florida, USA - In an exciting development for collegiate golf, the University of Kentucky women’s golf program has made headlines with the signing of Samantha Paradise, a standout player from Daytona State College. Head coach Golda Borst announced the move on June 16, 2025, as the team prepares to bolster its roster with fresh talent. Paradise, hailing from Tampa, Florida, is not just any athlete—she’s an All-American and national champion who has left her mark in junior college golf.

Paradise’s journey in her first two years at Daytona State has been nothing short of spectacular. In her inaugural season, she achieved a remarkable 72.7 stroke average over 11 tournaments, finishing in the top ten three times, including a commendable ninth place at the NJCAA National Championship. More impressively, she contributed to her team’s collective success by helping Daytona State lift the NJCAA National Championship trophy, finishing with a historic team total of 6-under, a feat that set a new record for under-par scores in women’s national tournament history. As a result, at the end of her freshman season, Paradise was ranked fifth in the NJCAA rankings.

Rising Star

Paradise’s sophomore season continued to showcase her talents, with a stroke average of 73.6 and more top ten finishes, including sixth place again at the national championship. By the conclusion of her second year, she had climbed to the No. 2 spot in the NJCAA rankings. Coach Borst expressed enthusiasm about her joining the Wildcats, recognizing the potential impact her experience will have on the team.

In addition to her individual accolades, Paradise’s contributions extend beyond her personal performance. During her time at Daytona State, she played alongside another promising golfer, Tylar Whiting, both of whom are set to make an impact at their new collegiate homes. The duo’s complementary skills helped Daytona State secure its 11th NJCAA National Championship title, the first since 2018.

A Bright Future

Why did Paradise choose to continue her academic and athletic career at Mercer? She cites the strong business programs, the reputation of Coach Michele Drinkard, and a desire to grow both personally and as an athlete. Coach Drinkard has praised her and Whiting for not only their golfing acumen but also their dedication to academic excellence. This commitment to balance between athletics and academics is crucial, especially in the world of junior college athletics, where the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) provides a foundation for student-athletes to refine their skills while preparing for a higher level of competition.

The NJCAA governs 98 women’s golf teams across the U.S., making it an integral part of the athletic landscape, especially for athletes looking to improve before transferring to four-year institutions. With a maximum of eight scholarships available per team, junior colleges offer a lifeline to many aspiring golfers seeking to sharpen their game.

As the Kentucky women’s golf team welcomes Samantha Paradise, they also look forward to the positive energy and competitive spirit she brings from a program that has been recognized as one of the top junior colleges in the nation. Paradise embodies the hard work and determination typical among junior college athletes navigating their way to greater opportunities ahead.

For those interested in following the path of promising athletes like Samantha, the collegiate sports scene offers myriad options, with schools like Daytona State College celebrating their successes on a national level. The community eagerly awaits to see how Samantha’s journey unfolds at her new home in Kentucky, where she is sure to make waves both on and off the course.

For more details about Samantha Paradise’s signing and her remarkable collegiate career thus far, visit UK Athletics and Mercer Bears. Additionally, to learn more about junior college athletics, check out NCSA Sports.