Greenville, SC – The NCCAA is pleased to recognize Grace May of Grace College as the 2024 Dan & Kelly Wood Award recipient for Women’s Golf.

The senior Grace May has already become one of the most accomplished golfers and leaders in Lancer program history. She has earned 15 top 5 tournament finishes and a pair of medalist honors so far in her career. The native of North Canton, Ohio was named a 2023 NCCAA All-American and has helped her team to three consecutive NCCAA National Championship Runner-Up finishes. She also has been named the NCCAA Women’s Golf Student-Athlete of the Week twice. May’s best collegiate round came just a few weeks ago at a home tournament, tying a single-round program record with a 70 (-1) at the Battle at Stonehenge. Each season May has seen her scoring average get better, most recently finishing 2023 with an average of 80.26. 

Outside of golf, May serves her community in a multitude of ways. She is a resident assistant and student leader at Grace College and spends countless hours mentoring young women in her dorm. May also serves as a YMCA camp counselor, assists at golf camps, and teaches younger students in various physical education classes about the importance of her faith in athletics. May grew up in a Christian home and became a believer at a young age, but it was not until her experiences at Grace College that she truly started to challenge herself in making her faith her own. In the classroom, May holds a cumulative GPA of 3.82 as a senior majoring in Marketing and Business Administration. 
 
“Grace is a born leader who consistently leads by example,” said Grace College Head Women’s Golf Coach Denny Duncan. “Even on days she doesn’t feel like putting in the work, she is always willing to work hard. Grace frequently organizes team activities and makes sure everyone is included. She not only cares about her teammates’ growth as golfers, but she cares about their spiritual and emotional growth as women in Christ. She is dependable, kind, and outgoing. Grace is intentional with her time and is always a positive influence on those around her.” 
 
Other Finalists
Aynslee Myer, Bethel University
Erin Strouse, Malone University
Leah Watson, Ohio Christian University
 
Award Description
Dan and Kelly Wood’s commitment to the NCCAA is evident in the growth of the Golf National Championships with venue upgrades, the addition of women’s golf, and an enhanced format. While at two NCCAA member institutions, Dan served as NCCAA Men’s Golf Chair from 1993-1999. He assumed the role of Executive Director in 2000 and developed the Game Plan 4 LIFE character initiative while also expanding Christian Service Projects and sports ministry funding. Kelly worked for the NCCAA for over 30 years. Her heart for the Lord and to reach others for Christ helped grow the NCCAA’s Kingdom impact.
 

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