The fall semester at Salisbury University presented a new opportunity with the introduction of a new golf team, marking the first season of competitive play for the team. The initiative to bring a golf team to the university had been in the works for several years, starting with former athletic director Gerry Dibartolo and continuing under the leadership of Monica Polizzi. After a rigorous selection process, Dalton Deardorff was appointed as the head coach of the men’s and women’s golf teams, bringing with him over 25 years of experience as a player and coach.
Deardorff’s journey with the Salisbury University golf program began in 2017 when he expressed interest in starting a team, and when the opportunity finally arose, he knew he had to be a part of it. His passion for the sport and desire to see golf thrive at SU motivated him to take on the role of head coach and lay the foundations for the team’s inaugural season. With a focus on building a competitive roster, Deardorff utilized various avenues to recruit players, including the university’s club golf team and incoming freshmen who showed interest in playing collegiate golf.
Among the players who joined the team was junior Emma Wivell, whose experience with the club golf team led her to pursue a spot on the official SU roster. Freshman Parker Pruitt, a Maryland native, also jumped at the opportunity to play for Salisbury University’s new golf program after hearing about its debut. Both players recognized the significance of being part of the university’s first golf team and were excited to contribute to its growth and success.
As the team completed its first season, coach Deardorff and the players reflected on their progress and looked ahead to the spring season of 2025. With a core group of young players and a shared goal of achieving their first collegiate wins, the team is optimistic about their future in Division III competition. The players take pride in representing Salisbury University and are committed to building a successful athletic program that will garner recognition on a national level. The sense of community and camaraderie within the team further motivates them to strive for excellence on and off the golf course.
Looking forward, the Salisbury University golf program aims to continue developing its players and climbing the ranks of collegiate competition. With a strong foundation in place and a dedicated coaching staff, the team is poised for growth and success in the coming seasons. The commitment and passion of everyone involved with the program, from the coaches to the players, serve as the driving force behind their collective efforts to establish Salisbury University as a prominent presence in the world of collegiate golf.
