CHICAGO — Loyola University Chicago head women's golf coach
Brandy Johnston announced the signing of two student-athletes Wednesday. Kira Hawkins (San Diego, CA/Del Norte High) and Sophie Redmond (Concord, MA/Concord-Carlisle High) will be joining the Ramblers at the beginning of the 2027-28 academic year.
Kira Hawkins
San Diego, Calif. • Del Norte High School
Three-year varsity letterwinner … Won the 2026 FCG National Fall Tour Slam … Won the 2026 National Tour Summer Kickoff … Placed second at the 2026 seventh annual FCG Girls College Showcase … Scholar-Athlete award, maintaining a GPA of at least 4.0 in every trimester … President of the DNHS peer counseling program.
Johnston on Hawkins: "Kira is a late starter to golf who has made tremendous strides in a very short time. I was immediately struck by her passion for the game and impressed with the level of hard work it took her to go from a beginner to a winner in the junior ranks in under four years. Her work ethic carries over to the classroom, where she's maintained a high GPA while serving in leadership roles within her high school. In addition to her strong golf skills, her upbeat personality and enthusiasm for our program will help her make an immediate impact for us."
Sophie Redmond
Concord, Mass. • Concord-Carlisle High School
2025 Girls State Championship runner-up … 2025 Mass Girls Amateur semi-finalist … 2026 Central Girls Sectionals champion … Top four finish in the 2025 and 2026 New England Junior Amateur … 77.05 tournament scoring average in the 2025 and 2026 seasons … 41.25 fall/boys high school season 9-hole scoring average.
Johnston on Redmond: "Sophie has gained very valuable experience over the past year as a member of Team Massachusetts. The practice sessions and the competition she has faced as a part of the training program have prepared her to compete at the Division 1 level. In addition, with no girls' team at her high school, Sophie spent four years competing with the boys' team, and not only that, but she was also named team captain ahead of her final season. After speaking with her high school coach, it was clear that Sophie has what it takes to be a leader in our program both on and off the golf course."
