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SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State women’s golf head coach Par Nilsson has made exciting announcements regarding the future of the program, revealing the addition of three exceptional talents to the roster. Among them is Miren Ontanon, who will be joining the Bobcats as a fresh recruit, eligible to compete in the spring of 2025. Additionally, Mana Hersperger and Grace Quintanilla are set to strengthen the team next fall, bringing a wealth of experience and outstanding achievements to the squad.
Miren Ontanon | Mexico
Ontanon has made a significant mark on the international golfing scene by successfully representing Mexico at prestigious competitions, including the 2024 Toyota Junior World Cup held in Japan. Her impressive journey also includes participation in the 75th U.S. Junior Girls Championship and a recent appearance at the World Junior Girls Championship in Canada, showcasing her skills on various global stages.
Mana Hersperger | Switzerland
This talented athlete recently earned her spot on the Swiss National Team for both 2023 and 2024. Hersperger’s 2024 triumph as the Swiss Golf National Champion highlights her exceptional abilities. In 2023, she clinched victory in the Swiss Golf Interclub U18 and led team Lausanne to win the Swiss Golf Interclub Women’s A1 championships. Previously, in 2022, she was recognized as the WAGR North of England U16 champion and finished impressively tied for 20th at the LETAS Lavaux Ladies Open, firmly establishing her as a rising star in Swiss golf.
Grace Quintanilla | Philippines
Quintanilla’s accomplishments shine as she proudly represents the Philippine national team, recently earning the title of Philippine Ladies Open Champion. Her impressive golfing prowess garnered her runner-up honors at the Philippine National Stroke Play Championship, alongside a top-three finish at the esteemed Singapore Open Amateur Championship. In addition to qualifying for the 74th US Girls Junior Championship, she also showcased her talent by winning the AJGA Patrick Reed Championship in 2023, while consistently achieving top-three finishes in the TJGT and placing in the top 10 within AJGA events.
The trio of golfers joins a Texas State team that made waves last season by advancing to the NCAA Bryan Regional in 2024 after securing the coveted title at the 2024 Sun Belt Conference Championship. The Bobcats are gearing up to host the Texas State Invitational at the Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco, Texas, marking the start of the thrilling 2024-25 season on February 3-4.
How do you foresee Mana Hersperger and Grace Quintanilla influencing team dynamics and performance in the upcoming season?
**Interview with Par Nilsson, Head Coach of Texas State Women’s Golf**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Nilsson. You’ve just made some exciting announcements regarding new additions to the Texas State women’s golf team. Can you tell us a bit more about these recruits?
**Par Nilsson:** Absolutely, I’m thrilled to share the news! We have added three remarkable talents to our roster, starting with Miren Ontanon, who will be joining us as a fresh recruit eligible to compete in the spring of 2025. We’re very excited about what she brings to the table.
**Editor:** Miren has certainly made a name for herself on the international stage. Can you elaborate on her background and what led you to recruit her?
**Par Nilsson:** Miren has had an impressive journey. She has represented Mexico in top tournaments, including the 2024 Toyota Junior World Cup in Japan and the 75th U.S. Junior Girls Championship. Her experience in high-pressure situations at such prestigious events really stood out to us. She’s incredibly driven and we believe she will make a significant impact on our program.
**Editor:** It sounds like she has a bright future ahead. Alongside Miren, you also mentioned Mana Hersperger and Grace Quintanilla. What can you tell us about their contributions?
**Par Nilsson:** Both Mana and Grace are exceptional players who will join us this fall. They bring a wealth of experience and have impressive resumes. Mana has consistently performed well in her previous competitions, and Grace has demonstrated remarkable skill and leadership on and off the course. Their addition will undoubtedly strengthen our team as we look ahead to future competitions.
**Editor:** With these talented recruits, what are your expectations for the upcoming seasons?
**Par Nilsson:** My expectation is that these players will not only enhance our overall performance but also foster a competitive spirit within the team. We’re focused on building a strong foundation and aiming for success both regionally and nationally. With their talents, we’ll be in a good position to challenge for top honors in the coming years.
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Nilsson. It sounds like Texas State women’s golf is on the cusp of an exciting era!
**Par Nilsson:** Thank you! We’re eager to see how these new additions will help shape our program’s future. Go Bobcats!
