Historic Signings Take Place In N.C. A&T Aggie Athletics

(L) Jocelyn Andrews, 5-foot-6, Graham, N.C., Southern Alamance
(R) Deja Smith 5-6, Arlington, Texas, Mansfield Summit
Courtesy: North Carolina A&T State University Sports Information

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- History has been made in North Carolina A&T Athletics just in time for the holidays. N.C. A&T head golf coach Richard Watkins announced on Wednesday the signing of the first two Aggie golf players in the school’s 125-year history.

Jocelyn Andrews (5-foot-6, Graham, N.C., Southern Alamance) and Deja Smith (5-6, Arlington, Texas, Mansfield Summit) will be the answer to a difficult trivia question one day as they are the first two golf signees ever in Aggieland.

“To be able to sign student-athletes of this caliber sets a standard that will attract other quality players to this program,” said Watkins. “I know both players will be assets to the program for years to come. They both love to play which is very important to me as their coach, and both are committed to honing their craft.”

Andrews had tremendous success at Southern Alamance. She qualified for the state tournament as a junior and senior, while being a regional qualifier all four seasons. Andrews was also a four-time all-conference performer. As a senior, she is finished 28th in the state by shooting a 13-over par 85 at Pinehurst No. 6. Earlier in the season, she earned medalist honors for the second straight All-Alamance County match played at the Challenge Golf Club by firing a 3-over 39.

She shot a 5-over 40 to take individual honors to lead Southern Alamance to a one-shot victory at the first All-Alamance County girls match at Indian Valley Municipal Golf Course on Sept. 2, 2015. Andrews plans to major in nursing at N.C. A&T.

“I have already had local contacts just because Jocelyn is known, and her abilities are respected locally,” said Watkins.

Smith was excellent in tournament play. In 2014, she won the Lake Arlington Metro Prep by shooting a 44. She finished fourth at the Shady Valley Golf Tournament with an 89. In 2015, she finished tied for third at the Metro Medalist at Walnut Creek Country Club. At another Metro Medalist tournament, she finished fifth at the Tierra Verde Golf Club. Smith plans to major in food science.

“I know that these two young ladies are both self-motivated, and I expect a quality effort from them because that is what they expect of themselves,” said Watkins.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION