CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois women's golf head coach Renee Slone announced today the signing of Elizabeth Beek and Erica Lee to the Fighting Illini roster for the 2023-24 season.
"We are excited to welcome Elizabeth Beek and Erica Lee to the Fighting Illini Family and our women's golf program," Slone said. "Both Elizabeth and Erica have a wealth of experience on the national stage, and we look forward to each making an immediate impact on our program."
"We look forward to assisting both Elizabeth and Erica as they transition to this next chapter in their careers and celebrating the many successes they will enjoy as Fighting Illini!"
Elizabeth Beek | Blue Bell, Pa. | Wissahickon High School
Beek's Highlights: Won the PIAA high school state championship as a freshman. Medalist at PIAA 3A High School Regional while shooting a state record of a 66. Ranked as high as No. 18 in the class of 2023 on the National Junior Golf Scoreboard. Ranked as high as No. 1 in the state of Pennsylvania on the National Junior Golf Scoreboard. Earned exempt status multiple years on the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Tour. Earned one win, seven Top 5 finishes and 10, Top 10s across the AJGA Tour, Peggy Kirk Bell Tour, PGA Section, State Championships and USGA Qualifiers. Won the 2022 AJGA at Penn State scoring 12-under par winning by seven strokes and scoring a personal best of 65. Placed third in the 2021 AJGA Sung Hyun Park Junior Championship. Placed fourth in the 2019 Philadelphia Girls Junior PGA Sectional Championship. Placed fourth in the 2019 Peggy Kirk Bell Commonwealth Classic. Placed fourth in the 2018 AJGA All-Star Rush Creek. Placed fifth in the 2020 AJGA at Penn State. Placed fifth in the 2020 AJGA All-Star Alabama Auburn-Opelika Tourism Championship. Placed fifth in the 2020 Pennsylvania Junior Girls' Championship.
Why Illinois: "I chose the University of Illinois for several reasons. I love the facilities, the academic and athletic excellence and the team family environment. The most important reason why I chose the University of Illinois was the relationship that I developed with coach Slone and coach Pina during the recruiting process, and I am excited to play and grow under their leadership. I can't wait to be a member of the Illinois women's golf family!"
Slone's Take: "Elizabeth earned her first AJGA win this past summer at Penn State after finishing -12 in the 54-hole event following a spectacular 65 (-7) in the opening round. Her length and ability to use statistical analysis to aid in her practice planning and course management are tremendous assets."
Erica Lee | Arcadia, Calif. | Arcadia High School
Lee's Highlights: Third at the 2019 SCPGA Jr. Tour Toyota Tour Cup at Redhawk. Third at 2021 FCG National Tour Fallbrook Junior at Pala Mesa Resort. First at 2021 SCPGA Jr. Tour Toyota Tour Cup at Olivas Links, the 2021 AJGA Cameron McCormick Junior All-Star in Lubbock, Texas, the 2021 AJGA Junior All-Star at Urbana in Urbana, Ill., the 2021 AJGA UHY Detroit Junior in Bloomfield Hills, the 2021 AJGA Junior All-Star Invitational presented by Adidas Golf in Bend, Ore. and at the 2021 FCG National Tour Spring Challenge at Rancho Bernardo Inn. Second at the 2021 AJGA Thunderbird Junior All-Star at Papago Golf Course. Michigan. 2021 AJGA Junior All-Star Team Member. Second at SCGA SoCal Girls Junior Am at Morongo Tukwet. 2021 AJGA Rolex Junior All-American Second Team. Third at the 2022 SCPGA Jr. Tour Toyota Tour Cup at Mission Hills. Second at the 2022 SCPGA Jr. Tour Toyota Tour Cup at Rancho Calif. 2022 Southern California Girls Junior Americas Cup team member.
Why Illinois: "I felt a genuine connection with the campus, facility, people and overall environment of the school. I was amazed by the support provided for student-athletes and I could see myself growing as a person and a golfer."
Slone's Take: "Erica enjoyed a break-out season in the summer of 2021 that was highlighted by four AJGA victories. She earned wins at the AJGA Junior All-Star event right here at Urbana Country Club as well as the AJGA UHY Detroit Junior and season ending AJGA Junior All-Star Invitational. Her putting was a key component of her success during this outstanding stretch of play."
