By Jess Westendorf
Last week, the Iowa men’s and women’s golf teams signed new members for the 2017 class.
Head coach Megan Menzel announced Nov. 9 that Stephanie Herzog and Annalee Dannegger have both signed national letters of intent to play golf at Iowa next fall.Herzog, a nativeof Red Wing, Minnesota, is a five-time state qualifier, all-conference selection (2012-16), and a four-time all-state team honoree (2013-16).
“We are thrilled Stephanie has chosen Iowa,” said Menzel in a release. “She is an outstanding student athlete and is a player that continues to show improvement.”
Golf runs in Herzog’s family. Her father, Mark Herzog, played college golf at St. Cloud State, and both her brothers, Patrick and Jordan, played for Minnesota and North Central University respectively.
Aside from her family, Herzog is making a name for herself on the greens. She has led her team to three-consecutive conference championships (2014-16). During her sophomore and junior year of high school, she was awarded medalist honors at the conference meets. She recorded a runner-up finish during her freshman year and placed fourth her eight-grade year.
She led her team to the state-championship in 2015, where she placed fourth overall. They then returned in 2016 with a third-place finish. Since 2012 Herzog has helped her team make an appearance at state, where they placed fourth (2012 and 2013) and third (2014).
“I knew right away after meeting Stephanie that she was a great fit for our program,” said Menzel in a release. “We are excited to have a player with such a solid work ethic on and off the course joining our team.”
Herzog is not the only impressive player Iowa signed. Dannegger, who attended Wheaton High School, also has a solid résumé.
Dannegger is a three-time state qualifier and all-conference team selection. During her senior year, she was captain of the golf team and she led her team the state tournament, where it won the title.
“Annalee is an exciting addition to our Hawkeye roster,” said Menzel in a release. “Her team just won the Illinois state championship under her coach Art Tang, and she has improved a lot in the past few years.”
She has also competed at some pre-college competitions. She placed third at the championship and finished ninth at the Second City Classic this year.
“Annalee has a tireless work ethic in the classroom, as well in her golf game,” said Menzel in a release. “Her swing instructor, John Perna, has given her a solid foundation, and we look forward to her growing into a solid player for our team.”
Not only did the women score two outstanding players, the men signed Jaewook Lee on Nov. 11.
The native of British Columbia, Canada, signed a national letter of intent, and the Hawkeyes could not be more excited.
“We are very excited to welcome Jaewook to the Hawkeye golf family,” said Tyler Stith in a release. “We are excited about his potential and look forward to his joining the team.”
Lee is a four-time state qualifier who has led his high-school team (Walnut Grove Secondary School) to a conference championship in 2016 and state appearances the past four years. He recorded his best finish tying for seventh in 2015.
Lee has had plenty of time and experience playing different tournaments as well as courses. He competed at the Heather Furr Classic, where he placed second, and the Western Championship, placing third.
“I felt I needed to go to the University of Iowa when I talked with Coach Stith,” said Lee in a release. “He is dedicated to improving and strengthening the program to a higher level.”
His senior year he maintained an average of 69 strokes per round, staying consistent with low scores, something the Hawkeyes value on the greens. At the AAA High School Delta Police Championship Lee recorded his best finish of 2016 with an eight-under par. His season average was a 67 during his junior year, during which he won the British Columbia Men’s Amateur Zone Team Competition.
“I love the campus, facilities, and especially the atmosphere around the school,” said Lee in a release. “People are energetic and supportive. I feel I’m part of the team and Hawkeye family. I look forward to starting my career as an Iowa Hawkeye.”
