Peiffer signs with William Penn

After posting a strong junior campaign, Washington senior golfer Deanna Peiffer was noticed by a few universities.

On Tuesday morning, Peiffer officially made her decision on where she was going to continue her golf career, by signing with William Penn in Oskaloosa, and she said the decision was a no-brainer.

?The first time I met with them, I knew that they would be a great fit for me,? Peiffer said. ?On my visit, I met with the golf girls, and when they were describing what life was like, I knew that I (had to) go there. I loved it there. They were so welcoming and understood what I was going through.?

Peiffer is coming off a career season, which saw the Washington girls? golf team claim the Class 4A state title, while finishing as an All-State individual, taking eighth place at the state meet.

The Demon will be joining a women?s golf program that is currently ranked 18th in the NAIA, and is coming off a season that saw them finish in 12th at the national tournament.

With both the Demons and Statesmen on strong winning trajectories, William Penn head coach Nik Rule said it was a perfect fit.

?Our program is built on accountability and preparing our student-athletes for life,? Rule, a sixth-year head coach, said. ?She has all the tools that we look for in a player: She?s a good person, she?s good in the classroom, and she happens to swing a golf club really well. She wants to be a part of a team. She knows how to win and how to be a part of a team.?

When deciding between college choices, Peiffer said the ability to be close to home was a big factor.

?I thought about going farther away, but I knew I?d miss my parents too much,? Peiffer said. ?They have been big supporters in what I do, and they?ll be able to come and support me at my events. I think they are thrilled too.?

Peiffer will be one of four Demons returning to the course this spring, as they look to defend their state title, but while the senior doesn?t have any specific score she?s shooting for, she just wants to see her numbers get lower as the season goes on.

?This year, I hope to not take any steps back at the beginning of the season,? Peiffer said. ?I don?t really have a number, I just want to improve. I?d like to stay consistent with my putting, because I?ve struggled with that a little bit. I just want to improve.?

With the decision out of the way before the high school season begins, Rule said he just wants to see Peiffer embrace her final high school semester.

?Just enjoy your time,? Rule said. ?You have one semester left in high school athletics. With the girls we have coming in, I?m not worried about their work ethic. I just want her to enjoy her time and get ready for next year.?

Once Peiffer enters college, there will be more hard work in front of her, but Rule thinks she has the potential for it to pay off big dividends.

?She has an opportunity to be one of the best players in the country in the NAIA in my opinion,? Rule said. ?Because she?s accurate off the tee, and in our system, everyone improves from one year to the next. I?m confident she?ll continue to improve and I believe she?ll be one of the top players.?