Makena Junkin Named NAIA Golfer of the Week
The Texas Wesleyan senior earned the honor after securing her 12th collegiate win in Northwest Iowa.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Golf
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The NAIA has recognized Texas Wesleyan senior Makena Junkin as the Women's Golfer of the Week. This honor follows her victory at the Northwest Iowa Invitational, where she finished 14-under par.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights a standout season for Junkin, who recently captured the 2026 NAIA individual medalist championship. Her performance in Iowa further cements her status as a top competitor in collegiate golf.
Junkin posted rounds of 66, 69, and 67 to achieve her 12th career collegiate win. She closed the tournament with five birdies and no bogeys in her final round.
The players
Makena Junkin
She is a senior at Texas Wesleyan who currently holds the 2026 NAIA individual medalist championship title.
Texas Wesleyan
This university is a collegiate institution based in Texas that supports a competitive women's golf program.
NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, that organizes college sports programs.
The details
Junkin dominated the field at the Northwest Iowa Invitational, winning by a three-stroke margin. The Texas Wesleyan team secured a second-place finish in the event standings.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: Makena Junkin received Golfer of the Week recognition.
October 5-6, 2026: The Texas Wesleyan team competes in Georgia.
Season Trajectory
Junkin's latest achievement builds on her victory at the 2026 NAIA individual medalist championship to solidify her place as a dominant force this season. Her success remains a critical factor for Texas Wesleyan as the team looks toward the next tournament in Georgia.
Junkin's current scoring average suggests she remains the primary individual medalist threat for the upcoming Georgia event. Her play is the anchor for Texas Wesleyan's team ranking as they continue their pursuit of conference standings improvement.
The takeaway
Junkin continues to show elite form by maintaining high-level scoring output across consecutive tournament rounds. Her ability to remain bogey-free in high-pressure final rounds serves as a technical benchmark for aspiring collegiate golfers.
What happens next
The Texas Wesleyan women's golf team is scheduled to compete at Dalton State in Georgia on October 5-6, 2026.
Further reading
For more on collegiate golf news, visit the Golf section.
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