Daviess County’s Baylie Billingsley has signed with Murray State University to continue her golf and academic career. The senior finished her time with the Lady Panthers’ team earlier this fall, helping lead them to a third straight Region Two title and a fourth-place finish at the State Tournament. Billingsley and the Lady Panthers also set a new tournament record at region, shooting 302.
The senior had a few other schools on her radar, including Kentucky Wesleyan College, Georgetown College, and Midway University, as well as a few out-of-state options. After reaching out to Murray State in late July, it was a quick turnaround for Billingsley, going on a visit shortly after and then committing in August.
“I went on my visit and immediately fell in love,” Billingsley said. “I felt so at home. It wasn’t just about golf, but a place where I could grow into a better athlete and student.”
Billingsley knew early on in her high school golf career that she wanted to play at the collegiate level.
“I knew if I kept working, then I could get to that point,” Billingsley said. “At the time, I had some older role models who were committing and going to college for golf. I knew it was possible.”
For the majority of her high school career, her head coach was also her dad, Jonas Billingsley and she acknowledged that it was a blessing for him to play both roles.
“We were able to grow together and obviously, he’s new to the recruitment process, just like I am,” Billingsley said. “There were questions answered for both of us around the way, and it was just nice having him there.”
With a few months left before she graduates from Daviess County, the senior plans to just enjoy the moment. Moving forward, she plans to improve her swing speed and add more distance.
“I kind of lost that for the season,” Billingsley said. “So, I want to make sure I can sustain that throughout the season. I want to add muscle and dial in on my short game.”
