Women's Golf | 6/30/2023 12:00:00 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  The Methodist University Department of Athletics has announced its 2023 Mason Sykes Cup winner, presenting the award to women's golfer Jillian Drinkard.

The award, named for Methodist Hall-of-Fame coach Mason Sykes, has been presented annually to the University's top student-athlete since 1986. Voted on by Methodist's head coaches, the winner must display outstanding athletic achievement while also possessing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
 
Drinkard, who also won the award in 2019 and 2021, becomes the second Monarch ever to receive the honor three times. She joins fellow women's golf alum Susan Martin, who won three consecutive years (2008, 2009 and 2010). In 38 years, eight women's golfers have combined to win the Sykes Cup a total of 14 times.
 
During the 2022-2023 season, Drinkard earned numerous honors, including being named the USA South Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Along with her All-Conference First Team selection, she was the top golfer at the USA South Tournament in April and tied for seventh at the NCAA Division III Women's Golf Championship in May. She was recognized by the Women's Golf Coaches Association, appearing on the organization's Southeast All-Region Team and earning a spot on the All-American Second Team.
 
In late May, she was named to College Sports Communicators' Academic All-District Women's At-Large Team, placing her on the ballot for Academic All-American honors which she recently received, earning a spot on the Second Team in the women's at-large category.
 
Drinkard's achievements were also a major factor in her team's success this season. Guided by Kelsie Warren in her first season as head coach, Drinkard and the Monarchs won the USA South Tournament team title and earned an 11th-place finish at the NCAA DIII Championship.