Kimberly Eaton '11 (2024) - Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Kimberly Eaton '11

Class

2011
Induction

2024
Sport(s)

Golf

The 2011 National Golf Coaches Association Division III Golfer of the Year, Kimberly Eaton '11 is the most decorated golfer in Blue program history. Eaton finished her career as a four-time NCAA All-American and All-Region selection while earning four consecutive individual invitations to the NCAA Division III Championships. Eaton finished in the top-10 at the NCAA Championships during both her first and junior years and owns eight of the Blue golf program's 15 all-time individual tournament victories, having earned seven individual victories from 2007-2011, including three invitational (Jack Leaman, Vassar, and Dartmouth) victories during her senior season in 2011. In addition to her eight victories, Eaton also finished as an individual runner-up five times during her career.

My relationship with Wellesley began in 2006 when I was a Junior in high school. I chose Wellesley as the first of three “reach” colleges I wanted to apply to. I applied early decision not really expecting to be accepted. When I opened the response, it was the happiest moment in my life to that point; I had been accepted! I was completely enamored by the beauty of the campus and in awe of the highly motivated, intelligent, driven young women within it.

I have loved golf since I was an eight year old asking my father if I could hit balls with him in the backyard. At the age of eleven, I started competing in local junior golf tournaments. Later I played on my high school team which was referred to as the “Boys’ Varsity Golf Team” even after I joined it and despite the fact that I was the number one player on the team, I often felt a bit ostracized. So it was especially nice when I made the Wellesley Golf Team and felt like I really belonged, not only on the team, but at Wellesley.

The golf team was my home away from home at Wellesley. We practiced several hours every day of our split Fall and Spring season and traveled hours away on the weekends to play two day tournaments. I spent a lot of time with my teammates and developed strong bonds and lasting memories.

One of my fondest memories was playing in the Ann S. Batchelder Invitational during homecoming weekend my first year. I was just getting my feet on the ground there, and this was a very important tournament, not only because it honored Dr. Batchelder, but also, because it was an invitational and Wellesley had invited many of the very best DIII women’s golf teams in the Northeast. Amherst was one of the invitees, and their No. 1 player was my best rival from junior golf days. I managed to beat her by a stroke, won the individual medalist honors for the tournament, and helped the team win the invitational! Everyone was all smiles. My parents and my friends were there to see the whole thing. It was about as perfect a weekend as I could imagine.

Being a member of the Golf Team not only afforded me a place to belong on campus, and a connection to the other students, but the team practices and tournaments provided structure and additional meaningful goals to achieve. Being on the team gave me access to upper-class women who I was able to consult with and confide in, and in later years it presented me with leadership opportunities as a SAAC representative and Team Captain. Being a student athlete at Wellesley helped shape me into the person I am today. I think it made me stronger and better prepared for the “real world” than I would have been with an academics only education.

I am absolutely elated to be inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2024! I am indebted to my outstanding coach, Sherry Makerney, who spent hours with me improving my skills and instilling the confidence I needed to succeed, traveling with me and coaching me through Nationals. Thanks also to then Director of Athletics Bridget Belgiovine and Associate Director Mindy Mangels who provided their support not just to me but to the golf program in its entirety. It is truly a great honor to have my name appear along side the likes of Dr. Ann Batchelder and such an outstanding group of Wellesley Student Athletes, Coaches, and Women of Inspiration. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

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