Greenville, SC – The NCCAA is pleased to announce Morgan Philyaw of the University of Northwestern as the winner of the 2026 Dan & Kelly Wood Award for Women’s Golf.

Senior Morgan Philyaw holds nearly every women’s golf program record at the University of Northwestern, etching her name all over the record books. However, Philyaw believes the impact that Northwestern has etched on her personal relationship with Christ is more important than any record she has achieved. Growing up in a Catholic church and going to Catholic school, Philyaw had a very early knowledge about the Bible and God, but she recalls never having a personal relationship with Christ. Once her family made the decision to move from a Catholic church to a non-denominational church, Philyaw started to see her personal relationship with Christ develop. 
 
Starting to read her Bible every day and being excited about church changed how she approached everything in her life. Philyaw began looking at Christian colleges to further her education and golf career, landing on Northwestern because of the institution’s faith emphasis. During her time at Northwestern, she has acted on God’s call for her heart, leading team prayer and Bible studies, serving at her local church, tutoring others on campus, assisting with local golf youth camps in her community, and participating in a multitude of team and campus wide service projects. Philyaw also made the decision after two years at Northwestern to get baptized at her church with her mom to publicly show how Jesus has become her Lord and Savior. 
 
On the golf course, Philyaw has earned three NCCAA All-American honors, three Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Player of the Year awards, 15 tournament medalist honors, 31 top five finishes, and was the 2025 NCCAA National Championship Runner-Up. Philyaw holds the Northwestern program record for the lowest individual round, recording a 72 on two different occasions. She also holds program records for single-season scoring average (78.3) and career scoring average (79.3). 
 
As her golf career comes to an end, Philyaw looks to complete her degree in Business Marketing, currently holding a 3.88 GPA. She is a three-time NCCAA Scholar-Athlete and UMAC Academic All-Conference Athlete. Philyaw has also been named a two-time Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-American Scholar. 
 
“Morgan embodies what this award is all about,” stated Northwestern Head Women’s Golf Coach Billy Aune. “She is a team leader who is grounded in her strong faith and excels both in the classroom and on the course. She is the most-accomplished golfer Northwestern has ever had and is an All-American in the sport, but she would rather be defined as a child of God. Morgan continues to grow in her role as a senior captain and has become more vocal in leading her team, both on and off the course. Her leadership role has evolved since stepping foot on campus three years ago as a freshman.”
 
Other Finalists
Izabela Aigner, Bethel University
Grace Beerman, Grace College
Shelby Cash, Crown College 
Grace Kidwell, Judson University
Anna Spahr, 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.
 
About the NCCAA
Established in 1968, the National Christian College Athletic Association uses intercollegiate athletics to further the Great Commission and is committed to equipping student-athletes and coaches to make a positive impact for Christ. The NCCAA currently holds 24 national championship events for 86 member schools across 28 states and Ontario, Canada. For more information on the NCCAA, visit our website, thenccaa.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram at @thenccaa.

 

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