CGN+ Player Highlight and Interview: Gracie Larsen Builds Confidence and Momentum at Kent State

Kent State junior Gracie Larsen has earned two Mid-American Conference Women’s Golfer of the Week awards during the fall 2026 season, adding to a collegiate career that includes MAC Freshman of the Year honors and consecutive runner-up finishes at the conference championship.

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Larsen joined CGN+’s Bobby Goldstein to discuss her introduction to golf, transition to Kent State, overcoming confidence challenges, and goals for the spring season.

Gracie Larsen Career Highlights

• Fall 2026: Earned two MAC Women’s Golfer of the Week awards.
• Landfall Tradition: Finished tied for 17th at 6 over par, recording 10 birdies.
• Boilermaker Classic: Tied for ninth at 2 over 218, closing with a 71.
• 2026 MAC Championship: Finished runner up at 2 under 208, including a career best 67.
• 2025 to 2026 Honors: All MAC Second Team, MAC All Tournament Team and Academic All MAC.
• 2025 MAC Championship: Finished runner up at 3 over par.
• 2025 MAC Freshman of the Year: Also earned All MAC First Team honors.
• NCAA Regional Appearances: Competed at the 2025 Columbus Regional and 2026 Chapel Hill Regional.

From Australia to Kent State

Born in England, Larsen began playing golf through her father’s involvement in the sport. After moving to Australia at eight years old, she developed her game through junior tournaments around Melbourne and other parts of the country.

Her recruitment to Kent State began with assistance from Brad James of Golf Australia, who connected her with several American college programs.

Larsen ultimately chose Kent State after developing a strong relationship with coach Casey VanDamme.

She quickly adjusted to college life alongside four other freshmen, crediting her teammates for making the transition easier.

Her freshman season included a 74.97 scoring average, MAC Freshman of the Year recognition and a second place finish at the conference championship.

Overcoming Confidence Challenges

Larsen acknowledged that her sophomore season included struggles with confidence and consistency.

After missing several tournament lineups, she earned a place at the MAC Championship through team qualifying.

She responded with a second consecutive runner up finish, shooting 2 under 208 and closing with a career best 67.

Larsen credited her coaches and teammates for helping her regain confidence, explaining that focusing on contributing to the team allowed her to approach the championship differently.

A Renewed Approach Leads to Fall Success

During the summer of 2026, Larsen shifted her attention away from technical swing adjustments and toward enjoying competition.

She participated in several amateur tournaments, including the Southwestern Amateur, Ohio Women’s Amateur and Canadian Women’s Amateur.

That approach carried into her junior season.

Larsen opened the fall with a ninth place finish at the Boilermaker Classic before tying for 17th at the Landfall Tradition, where Kent State finished eighth and tied Auburn in the team standings.

Both performances earned her MAC Women’s Golfer of the Week recognition.

Kent State entered the winter break ranked No. 40 nationally.

Looking Ahead to Spring 2027

Larsen wants to build on her fall results by competing for individual tournament victories and helping Kent State contend for team championships.

She emphasized the importance of putting herself in contention early in tournaments and believes the Golden Flashes have the ability to win during the spring season.

After consecutive runner up finishes at the MAC Championship, Larsen enters the remainder of her junior year focused on turning competitive performances into victories.

Watch the full CGN+ interview with Gracie Larsen below.

Gracie Larsen | Kent State CGN+ Player Highlight and Interview

Player Profile: Gracie Larsen | Kent State Women’s Golf