By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - University of Sioux Falls Head Golf Coach Wade Merry has announced the addition of four student-athletes who have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers with the Cougar golf programs beginning in 2026–27. The class includes Ava Cooper (Fargo, N.D.), Palmer Dalton (New London, Minn.), Molly Halvorson (Madison, Minn.), and Nathan Schuver (St. Cloud, Minn.).
"I am really excited about this group because they represent what we want in a student-athlete competing at USF," said Merry. "All come from wonderful families, are great kids and students, very talented golfers and will embrace our mission to create a Culture for Service."
Ava Cooper – Fargo, N.D. / Shanley High School
Cooper joins the Cougars following a standout career at Shanley High School, where she was a three-time participant in the North Dakota State High School Championships and finished among the top-25 this fall. A two-time team captain, she was the recipient of Shanley's prestigious Deacon Award, recognizing leadership and character. Her low round this season was a 76, and her scoring average has improved by more than 15 strokes over the past three years. A 4.0 student and member of the ND Honor Society, Cooper is the daughter of Charlie and Kelly Cooper and plans to major in Business Administration at USF.
"Ava is going to be a really good player for us," Merry said. "She works really hard at her game and is under the tutelage of John Dahl, a legend in North Dakota golf circles both as a player and teacher. It's going to be fun to see how much she develops the next four years and hopefully becomes as good as I think she is going to be."
Palmer Dalton – New London, Minn. / New London-Spicer High School
Dalton is a two-time Minnesota Class AA State Championships participant, competing once as an individual and again as part of a team that captured the state title during his junior season. He also finished tied for 25th at the Minnesota State Junior Amateur after rounds of 75 and 71. The son of Nick and Kristin Dalton, Palmer trains under respected instructor Scott Dirck and will study at USF next fall.
"Palmer is just scratching the surface on how good he can become," Merry said. "He's a natural leader who is going to fit in perfectly with the team he will be joining next fall. Palmer is a Scott Dirck protégé, so you know he's learning from one of the best teachers in northern Minnesota."
Molly Halvorson – Madison, Minn. / Lac qui Parle Valley High School
Halvorson comes to Sioux Falls after a decorated high school career at Lac qui Parle Valley, where she earned All-Conference honors from seventh through 11th grade and was a four-time All-State selection. A five-time state tournament participant, she recorded top-10 finishes twice, placing fifth and eighth in Class A. A multi-sport standout, Halvorson also competed in tennis and on the dance team, earning multiple academic honors including National Honor Society and All-State Academic recognition. She plans to major in Accounting at USF.
"I expect Molly to contribute right away for us," Merry said. "She is extremely talented and a great athlete as she is an accomplished tennis player also. Another student of Scott Dirck, meaning she is a good kid, good student and has been taught well."
Nathan Schuver – St. Cloud, Minn. / St. Cloud Cathedral High School
Schuver signs with the Cougars after a stellar prep career at St. Cloud Cathedral, where he is a five-time All-Conference honoree in the Granite Ridge Conference. As a junior, he fired a 73 to capture the conference individual title and led his team to its second consecutive berth in the Minnesota Class AA State Championships. Schuver has posted back-to-back top-30 finishes at state, including rounds of 75–78 last spring. A 3.7 GPA student, he is the son of Nick and Kristin Schuver.
"Nathan is a great kid with tremendous potential," Merry said. "He has had two consecutive good showings in the Class AA tournament, and he is certainly capable of finishing very high this spring. He also works with Scott Dirck, so I know he will transition easily from high school to college golf."
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