Anna Nordqvist Part of 2022 Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame Class

Oct 13, 2022

TEMPE, Ariz. - Sun Devil Women's Golf legend Anna Nordqvist was officially inducted into the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame during a ceremony last Friday.

"We are extremely proud of Anna for all that she has accomplished in her illustrious career," Sun Devil Women's Golf Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye remarked. "She is a proud Sun Devil and is very deserving of this honor. There is no doubt she is one of the best players we have ever had come through our program."

Nordqvist is one of seven Hall of Fame inductees as a part of a loaded 2022 class, joined by two Hall of Distinction selections. The group was also honored at halftime at halftime of Sun Devil Football's win over No. 21 Washington on Saturday. Nordqvist becomes the 19th individual from Sun Devil Women's Golf to enter the Hall of Fame and is the 20th overall inductee with ties to the program. This is the second consecutive class in which Women's Golf has been represented. The most recent inductions took place back in 2019, when the 1995 Women's Golf team was honored. Here is more information on what made Nordqvist a clear candidate for a coveted spot in the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame:

Regarded as one of the most talented members of the storied Sun Devil Women's Golf program. Made a significant impact during her time in Tempe before turning pro midway through her junior season as she finished tied for fifth at the 2008 NCAA Championships, helping lead the Sun Devils to a Top-5 finish. Tabbed as the 2008-09 Midseason National Player of the Year and a Midseason All-American before she decided to play professionally after the Fall campaign, she was elected as a NGCA First-Team All-American in each of her two full seasons (2007 & 2008). Named the 2007 NGCA National Freshman of the Year in addition to earning Freshman All-American distinction after a brilliant freshman campaign, Nordqvist tied for the 2007 Pac-10 title in her debut season. Received Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year honors for her efforts, landed on the Pac-10 First-Team All-Conference list in each of her two full seasons and posted the incredible accomplishment of having finished tied for second or better at 11 of her 24 career tournaments. A two-time NGCA All-Academic selection and 2008 Pac-10 All-Academic Second-Team, she was 2007 PING/ASU Invitational Champion and 2008 PING/ASU Invitational Co-Champion. Shined in several significant amateur tournaments in the midst of her collegiate career. Helped Sweden win the 2008 World Amateur, placed second as an individual at the 2008 World Amateur, and won the 2008 Ladies British Open Amateur.

Enjoyed immediate success in the professional ranks, becoming one of the top competitors on the LPGA Tour for over a decade. She has won three major championships: the 2009 LPGA Championship, the 2017 Evian Championship, and the 2021 Women's British Open and became the only non-American woman to have won major championships in three different decades (2000s, 2010s and 2020s). Did not take her long to earn her first LPGA major title, capturing the 2009 McDonald's LPGA Championship during her rookie season. Earned 76 Top-10 finishes in her LPGA career, proving to be one of the top competitors on the tour. Has become a consistent and successful presence for Team Europe, having competed in six consecutive Solheim Cups, a Ryder Cup style event for female golfers. Represented her native country of Sweden at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, one of four Sun Devils competing for their country in both the 2016 & 2021 Summer Games. Has earned over $11 million in her professional career.

IN HER OWN WORDS
"I first came to Arizona in August of 2006 with two suitcases, a golf bag, and a big dream. I was a very shy and sheltered 18-year-old from Sweden who had just moved 5,800 miles across the pond and I had no idea what to expect. At that time, I had no idea that I had just made the best decision of my life. The next couple of years attending ASU and playing on the women's golf team turned out to be more than I could have ever dreamed of. Having green grass for more than six months of the year was one of the factors that certainly helped me improve as a golfer."

"The experiences with my teammates, the opportunities to grow as a person and as an athlete were endless. As you all know, being a student athlete is tough, but it taught me valuable life lessons. I met so many great people during my time at ASU and would like to mention how grateful I am for both Debbie Crews, who unfortunately couldn't be here today, but also Coach Missy Farr-Kaye, who without a doubt have been some of the most influential people in my life. They showed me through passion and heart that to be a great athlete, you had to be a good person first. Mr. (Don) Bocchi, my practice buddy. Thank you for making time to help me practice: him showing up before work and me showing up before my 7:40 a.m. classes. He was always encouraging and leaving me with a smile on my face those early mornings in college, thank you."

"Congrats to my fellow Sun Devils in this room for your amazing accomplishments throughout the years. I am very proud to be a part of this Hall of Fame and beyond grateful to ASU for all they have done for me since arriving in 2006. Thank you Arizona State University for believing in me from day one and for giving me the opportunity to chase that big dream, I wouldn't be the person or athlete that I am today without you. Thank you."

CARLOTA CIGANDA MESSAGE

AMANDA LINNER MESSAGE

ABOUT THE HALL OF FAME

The SDA Hall of Fame was established in 1975 to honor the school's most distinguished student-athletes in all sports. Student-athletes become eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame 10 years after their senior class has graduated. The Hall of Distinction, recognizing outstanding contributions from coaches and administrators, was inaugurated in 1982.

2022 ASU Hall of Fame Class
Caitlin Andrew - Women's Swimming
Briann January - Women's Basketball
Anna Nordqvist - Women's Golf
Jessica Pressley - Women's T&F*
Anthony Robles - Wrestling*
Terrell Suggs - Football
Ryan Whiting - Men's T&F*
* = NCAA Individual Champion

2022 Hall of Distinction Class
Don Bocchi - Football assistant coach & senior associate athletic director
Charli Turner Thorne - Head Women's Basketball Coach

SUN DEVIL WOMEN'S GOLF IN THE HALL OF FAME
Anna Nordqvist / 2007-09 / Inducted 2022
1995 Sun Devil Women's Golf Team / Inducted 2019
Grace Park / 1998-2000 / Inducted 2011
Kellee Booth / 1995-1999 / Inducted 2010
Emilee Klein / 1993-1994 / Inducted 2009
Brandie Burton / 1989-1990 / Inducted 2008
Wendy Ward / 1992-1995 / Inducted 2007
Tina Tombs / 1981-1985/ Inducted 2006
Amy Fruhwirth / 1986-1991/ Inducted 2005
Pamela Wright / 1986-1988 / Inducted 2004
Pearl Sinn / 1986-1989/ Inducted 2002
Mary Bea Porter / 1968-1973 / Inducted 2001
Lauri Merten / 1979-1982 / Inducted 2000
Cathy Gaughan Mant / 1968-1972 / Inducted 1999
Danielle Ammaccapane / 1984-1987 / Inducted 1997
Heather Farr / 1983-1985 / Inducted 1990
Alice Miller / 1974-1978 / Inducted 1985
Jane Bastanchury / 1968-70 / Inducted 1980
Carol Sorenson / 1960-1964 / Inducted 1976
Joanne Gunderson Carner / 1957-1961 / Charter Inductee 1975