Florida State University Athletics
Fullbrook, Seminoles Play At Schooner Fall Classic Beginning Saturday
9/20/2024 10:23:00 AM | Women's Golf
NORMAN, Okla. – Florida State freshman Sophia Fullbrook wasn't surprised to find herself in the Seminoles' lineup in her first career event. The confident newcomer wasn't completely surprised that she finished in the top-10 of the individual standings at the season-opening Folds of Honor Intercollegiate. She wasn't surprised when she qualified to play in the Seminoles' lineup for this weekend's Schooner Fall Classic which begins at the Belmar Golf Club on Saturday and runs through Monday.
The one thing she has been the most surprised about since her arrival at Florida State is her teammates' love of eating at Mexican restaurants.
"It's crazy how many times I've already eaten Mexican food," said Fullbrook. "I never really used to eat it back home now I eat it 24/7."
As quickly as Fullbrook has taken to Tallahassee, and as well as she played in her first career event, one might think she is at the practice facility at the Seminole Legacy Golf Course on a 24/7 basis since her arrival on campus just before classes began in late August.
Fullbrook began her Seminole career with a tied for sixth place finish in the Folds of Honor Collegiate. Her finish helped the Seminoles to a second-place team finish in the power-packed event. She carded a 1 over par score of 73 in her first career collegiate round and was in a tie for third place in the individual standings after the second round. She finished the round with a 1 over par score of 217.
"Sophia has started her freshman campaign very well," said Head Coach Amy Bond. "She is adjusting to life in a new country and all of the differences that go along with that."
Fullbrook's adjustment to life at Florida State and to the United States began for the Hertfordshire, England native when she arrived on campus less than one week before attending her first class in freshman anthropology.
Her arrival in Tallahassee marked just the third time she has been in the U.S. She played in the 2023 Junior Orange Bowl Championship in Miami and came on her college visits during the fall of 2023. Bond and the Seminoles hosted her on her first official visit; she signed to play at Florida State soon after.
"I chose Florida State because of the amazing facilities and the awesome coaches," said Fullbrook. "The weather is a tremendous bonus," she added.
Also, a huge bonus for the newcomer who will play alongside junior All-Americans Lottie Woad and Mirabel Ting, senior Kaylah Williams, and fellow freshman Christina Surcey at the Schooner Fall Classic, was her familiarity with Woad, the nation's No. 1 ranked amateur women's player in the world.
Fullbrook has represented England in numerous national and international events including the 2023 Home Internationals. It was in that event that she teamed with Woad and earned two wins in England's 5-4 win over Ireland on the final day of competition. Fullbrook teamed with Woad to earn a 5&4 victory over Ireland's Sara Byrne and Mairead Martin in the final round of foursome play to give England the team championship.
She's also been named to the England National Team again for the 2025 season.
While her first three weeks on campus have certainly been a whirlwind, Fullbrook is quickly adjusting to classes, practice, team travel, and a brand-new lifestyle.
"The biggest change in my lifestyle is the change of structure to my day," said Fullbrook. "You have to balance everything well here, but I love it.
"The best part has been getting to know the team and getting close with all the girls. They are all so lovely and have made me feel at home so quickly."
With a boost to her confidence with her first tournament finish and making the Seminoles' travel team for the second consecutive weekend, Fullbrook is settling into being a student-athlete at Florida State.
"I'm looking forward to playing just my normal game this weekend." Said Fullbrook. "I feel like I proved to myself last week that I can compete. To be able to improve on that and be able to continue progressing would be nice as I settle into college golf."
Fullbrook and the Seminoles begin play in this weekend's Schooner Fall Classic looking to become the second team to win the team championship in the event three times. The Seminoles have won the title in 2016 and 2022. Only Oklahoma State (2013, 2015 and 2021) has won the Toby Keith guitar – one of the most unique team trophies in all of college athletics – more than Bond and her Seminoles.
The Schooner Fall Classic is special to Bond. Her Seminoles have finished in the top five of the event four times and in the top-10 in all but one of their 10 appearances on the University of Oklahoma's home course.
The tournament began in 2013 in support of the Toby Keith Foundation and the OK Kids Korral which is a home for children battling cancer.
The event takes on an even more special meaning in 2024 following Keith's passing in February 2024.
Florida State is joined by Auburn, Florida Atlantic, Iowa State, Houston, Kansas State, North Texas, Oklahoma (the host team), Oklahoma State, Oral Roberts, TCU, Texas State, Tulane, Tulsa, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin in the 2024 Schooner Fall Classic. Nine of the 16 teams in the event qualified for the NCAA Regional Championships in 2024.
Fans can follow live scoring at the Schooner Fall Classic on Scoreboard.
Players Mentioned
