Jan. 17, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland women's golf head coach Jason Rodenhaver announced today the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent as part of the recruiting class arriving in Fall 2008.

Jessica Hollandsworth of Floyd, Va., Lauren Varnas of Chatham, N.J., and Alexis Holmes of West Chester, Pa., have committed to attend Maryland next fall. Rodenhaver said this recruiting class will have an opportunity to step in and play quickly due to the graduation of four-year starters Katie Trotter and Kelly Calkin.

"This is a good group and certainly fulfilled our needs," said Rodenhaver, now in his ninth season as the only head coach in the history of the women's golf program at Maryland. "Losing two seniors, these girls will have the opportunity to play right away. Along with our existing group, this will give us the longest team we've ever had here. Everyone in the program will really be able to move the ball."

Thumbnail sketches of the three Maryland signees follow:

JESSICA HOLLANDSWORTH (Floyd County HS, Floyd, Va.)

Won the Virginia State Golf Association Junior Girls Championship in summer 2007 by 15 strokes... Set the event's single-round scoring mark with an opening-round 6-under-par 66... Went 66-68--134 to post a 10-under total at Independence GC in Midlothian, Va... Became the first player to have two rounds in the 60's at that event since 1970... Won the Virginia State Golf Association Junior Girls title in 2005 as a 15-year-old... Shot a 73 in the final round to post a two-stroke victory... Won the Virginia High School League Group A individual title (68-70--138) and helped Floyd County HS to the team title in 2007... Also won state individual title in 2004... Won two events on the International Junior Golf Tour...

Rodenhaver: "She could come in and contribute right away. She's an extremely strong player and is something of a `blue-collar' type player who works very hard."

LAUREN VARNAS (Oak Knoll School, Chatham, N.J.)

Played in USGA U.S. Girls Junior Nationals... Finished second in Conn. Section qualifier to earn berth... Ranked 4th recently in state of New Jersey junior girls ratings by Golfweek... Finished T8th at the 2007 New Jersey State Girls Championship (79-82--161)... All-State selection as a junior by Newark Star-Ledger... Captured the Rutgers Invitational prep tournament... Played in IJGT events.

Rodenhaver: "She's probably the best all-around athlete we've ever had. She's also an outstanding field hockey player. She's got tremendous upside in terms of golf."

ALEXIS HOLMES (Unionville HS, West Chester, Pa.)

Ranked 3rd in the state of Pennsylvania junior girls ratings by Golfweek... Third team All-American on the FCWT in Summer 2007... Finished T5th at the 2007 Pennsylvania State high school tournament (76-75--151)

Rodenhaver: "She's been a top-40 player in the AJGA. She's extremely strong and we look forward to her coming in and getting in the lineup quickly."