Tech Women's Golf announces 2025-26 team awards
Rhodes named MVP, Julian Most Improved, Lane wins Coach's Award and Baker the Bobby Nichols Award for Leadership
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Following a strong season, the Tennessee Tech women's golf team is closing the books on the 2025-26 campaign as it announced its year-end awards.
Kaydi Rhodes was named the team's Most Valuable Player, while Lexus Julian was honored with the Most Improved Award. Kailey Lane received the Coach's Award, while Lydia Baker was named the winner of the Bobby Nichols Award for Leadership.
Rhodes had a fantastic season, leading the squad with a 75.9 stroke average as she had one Top 5 finish, three Top 10s and six Top 20s. Her best rounds this season included a 71 at the Diamante Intercollegiate and three 72s at the Total Athlete Collegiate, The Robbie and The Mimosa Invitational.
"Kaydi had an amazing senior season this fall and spring," said Tech women's golf head coach Amanda Smith. "She played in every event and led the team in scoring average this year. She also held herself and the team to a high standard throughout practice and events. Very proud of her four years and how much she has grown into an amazing woman and leader!"
Julian finished 2025-26 with a 77.8 stroke average with two Top 10 finishes. It was a marked improvement from 2024-25 as she averaged a 79.17. Her best rounds this season were dual 74s recorded at the Total Athlete Collegiate and the Diamante Intercollegiate.
"Every year Lexus has put in daily work to improve," Smith said. "She really grew in her mental game this last year. After some difficult circumstances on the course, she pushed through and was able to learn how to handle hard. I'm super proud of the work she has put in not only physically but mentally on her game!"
The Coach's Award honors the player displaying the best attitude, the most dedication, and the biggest impact on the team in a given season. Lane averaged 77.0 strokes this season as she had two Top 10 finishes and four Top 20. She had two of the top three lowest rounds of the season as she carded 70 twice at the Total Athlete Collegiate and the Diamante Intercollegiate.
"Every coach wants a player like Kailey," Smith said. "She is well organized and passionate about what she does. It's easy to find Kailey working on the tough things and being fully engaged with her teammates. She brings a level of intensity and grace to our team daily. Excited to see what more she can do this next year!"
The Bobby Nichols Award for Leadership, named for the legendary Tech golf coach, is presented to the player who has shown and provided the most leadership on the team during a given year. Baker competed in four events and excelled in the classroom and in leadership, making her an excellent selection for the award.
"Lydia embodies what is it to never give up," Smith said. "She continues to encourage herself and her teammates through such a hard sport. Even if she isn't playing in an event, she is the first one to wish you good luck. I'm excited to award her this and continue to watch her get stronger and better!"
