They’re back. All of them. For the first time in NCAA history, two national players of the year will compete in the same lineup. The lucky coach? Duke’s Dan Brooks, who, in an age of one-and-dones, managed to welcome back to Durham, N.C., 2015 POY Leona Maguire and Celine Boutier, who won the honor in ’14.
In addition to returning all five starters, Duke also welcomes a talented freshman from Italy, Virginia Elena Carta. It’s no wonder Golfweek has tabbed the Blue Devils as preseason No. 1.
• See the complete preseason ranking
“We’ve a very strong team,” said Ireland’s Maguire, who was asked on a weekly basis over the summer if she planned to turn professional.