BAY CITY, Mich. -- Grand Valley State University women's golfer Ashley Smith has been chosen as the GLIAC Women's Golf "Athlete of the Year" it was announced by the conference office. Fellow Laker Kristina Langton claimed medalist honors at the 2009 GLIAC Women's Golf Championships on Monday (4/27). Ashland University's Erin Misheff was named the conference's "Freshman of the Year" while Ashland's Pam Leonard was tabbed as the GLIAC "Coach of the Year". 

Smith was named the GLIAC Most Valuable Player after finishing in a tie for third place at the GLIAC Championship on Monday. After shooting an opening round 80, Smith tallied a second round score of 75, good for a 155 (+11). She was one of four Lakers in the top six spots and earned First Team All-GLIAC honors. 

Langton earned medalist honors at the GLIAC Championship on Monday, finishing eight strokes ahead of the competition. Langton shot an opening round 75 and followed that up with a one-under par 71 in the final round. Her total of 146 was good for +2, as she led a pack of five Lakers in the top-10. Langton's performance earned her First Team All-GLIAC honors

Misheff is the first AU player to receive the GLIAC freshman of the year award. She capped a strong regular season by being named First Team All-GLIAC and finishing second at the GLIAC Championships.  This spring she was also sixth at the Northwood Invitational and eighth at the AU Invitational.

Leonard is the GLIAC coach of the year for the first time in her career. This is her fifth year at Ashland.  This year, she has the Eagles in the NCAA playoffs.  This marks the first time the women's program has been invited to the NCAA postseason.

- The 2009 GLIAC Women's Golf All-Conference Teams are listed below:

GLIAC "Player of the Year": Ashley Smith - Grand Valley State

GLIAC Championship Medalist: Kristina Langton - Grand Valley State

GLIAC "Freshman of the Year": Erin Misheff - Ashland

GLIAC "Coach of the Year": Pam Leonard - Ashland