Florida A&M University’s defending national champions, the Rattlers, are gearing up for the new season and will be participating in the Howard University/University of San Francisco Intercollegiate in Rockville, Maryland. The team will have a new-look roster this season, with only one member who competed in the national championship, sophomore Taylor Bell, set to play this weekend. Joining Bell on the competition roster are redshirt freshman Quincy Leonard, transfer Miguel Ilas, and two freshmen, Sascha Robinson and Emilio Garcia.
Taylor Bell played a pivotal role in the Rattlers’ 2024 national championship win, finishing fourth in the individual leaderboard at the PGA Works Collegiate Championship. Quincy Leonard, who was part of the National Championship team as a freshman, was redshirted last season. Miguel Ilas transferred from Alabama State after spending the last two seasons with the Hornets. Despite the changes in the roster, the team is looking forward to a successful season and defending their championship title.
The Howard University/University of San Francisco Intercollegiate will feature four HBCUs, including Florida A&M, Howard, Alabama State, and Prairie View A&M, as well as other universities like George Washington, San Francisco, Binghamton, Princeton, Loyola (Maryland), Towson, George Mason, and Georgetown. Head Coach Mike Rice, who has been with the A&M staff since 2013 and took over as head coach in 2018, is confident in the team’s ability to compete at a high level and is looking forward to seeing them in action.
The Rattlers have received support from the Rattlers-in-Arms and Plant City Alumni Chapter, who have made donations to help the team. The players are excited to represent their university and showcase their skills on the golf course. As they begin the new season, the team is focused on improving their game and working together to achieve their goals. With a mix of experienced and new players, the Rattlers are ready to face the challenges ahead and give their best performance in the upcoming tournament.
The Florida A&M Golf team’s dedication and hard work have paid off in the past, and they are determined to continue their success in the new season. The coaching staff, led by Mike Rice, has been preparing the players both mentally and physically for the upcoming competitions. With a strong team spirit and a desire to win, the Rattlers are confident in their abilities and are ready to take on any challenges that come their way. Fans of the team are looking forward to seeing them in action and supporting them as they defend their national championship title.
As the Rattlers gear up for the Howard University/University of San Francisco Intercollegiate, they are focused on refining their skills and strategies to ensure a competitive performance. The team’s dedication to excellence and their commitment to representing their university with pride will be evident in their gameplay. With a mixture of seasoned players and newcomers, the Rattlers are poised to make a mark in the upcoming tournament and showcase their talent on the national stage. The support from fans, alumni, and donors continues to motivate the team to excel and achieve their goals this season.
