Bentez Commits to Joins Michigan in 2005-06 Season
5/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan women's golf coach Kathy Teichert announced the signing of Lydia Bentez (Dorado, Puerto Rico/Pendleton School [Bradenton, Fla.]) to a National Letter of Intent for the 2005-06 academic year.
"We are thrilled to have Lydia join our Wolverine program," said Teichert. "She is an emerging talent, has a huge work ethic and is dedicated to getting better. We look forward to having her come compete and contribute both academically and athletically."
Bentez, a three-time member of Puerto Rico's National Team, was the Puerto Rico island champion and No. 1-ranked junior in 2004. She attended the Baldwin School in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, for five years (1999-2004) and was a member of the mixed boys and girls golf team. She was named to the All-Star Team of the League and received the Coaches Award in 2003-04 after earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2002-03.
She transferred to the Pendleton School, which is part ot the Dave Leadbetter Golf Academy, in Bradenton, Fla., for her senior year (2004-05) . She is a National Honor Society member and has received Academic Excellence Awards in five core classes and Academic Achievement Awards in six core classes throughout her high school career.
The Wolverines lose only one player from the 2004-05 roster, as senior captain Laura Olin (Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie HS) has completed her eligibility. The Maize and Blue finished its 2004-05 season with four team titles and four runner-up finishes in 12 tournaments and closed out the season with the program's third team trip to an NCAA Regional in the last five seasons.
Lydia L. Bentez Coln
Righthanded, Dorado, Puerto Rico/Pendleton School (Bradenton, Fla.)
Schools:
Attended Baldwin School (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) for five years (1999-2004)
Attended Pendleton School, part of David Leadbetter Golf Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) for one year (2004-05)
Honors, Awards, and Recognitions:
Won Academic Excellence Awards in five core courses through high school
Won Academic Achievement Awards six core courses through high school
Recipient of Special Service Award given to one student per grade in 9th and 11th grade
High Honor Roll all through middle school and high school
Presidential Award
Golf Career:
2004 Puerto Rico island champion and top-ranked junior
2004 PRGA Three Kings Invitational champion and winner of Silen Cup
Three-time member of Puerto Rico's National Team in 2003, 2004, 2005
Winner of 2005 International Junior Golf Tour Duke Tournament
Medalist runner-up at 2004 FCWT Naples Junior Championship
Medalist runner-up at American Junior Golf Association Ashworth Norman, OK
Fourth at FCWT Mission Inn Masters
Third at 2003 Caribbean Junior Championships
Member of 2003 Caribbean Team Championships
Member of Baldwin School's High School team (mixed boys and girls) for three years
Made All-Star Team of the League in 2003-04 season
Won Rookie of the Year in 2002-03 season
Awarded Coaches' Award in 2003-04 season
Extracurricular Activities:
National Honor Society throughout high school
National Junior Honor Society throughout middle school
Three-year member of Math Club, participated in the school's Math Bowl each year
School band, five years
Won Academic Excellence Award all years and participated in Music Fest 2000 through 2004
What's In Bentez Bag
Driver: 983K Titleist regular shaft
Woods: Callaway Great Big Bertha II 3- and 5-wood, Hybrid King Cobra Baffler
Irons: 704CB Titleist
Wedges: Titleist Vokey
Putter: Kirk Curie custom design
Ball: Pro V1
Glove: FootJoy
Favorite Club: Driver
Favorite Course: Biltmore Golf Course at Coral Gables, Fla.
Career Best Round: 71, at FCWT Naples Golf Challenge
Superstitions: I like to listen to music before the round
Contact: Tom Wywrot (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
