BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – A record-setting freshman campaign for Charlie Hanson has been recognized at the conference level, as the University of Sioux Falls standout earned NSIC First Team All-Conference honors and was named the NSIC Men's Golf Newcomer of the Year, the league announced.

Hanson becomes just the second student-athlete in program history to earn NSIC Newcomer of the Year recognition, highlighting a debut season that consistently placed him among the conference's top performers from start to finish. His 73.2 scoring average across 27 rounds ranked sixth in the NSIC and now stands as one of the top single-season marks in program history.

"Charlie made an immediate impact in our conference and continued his outstanding play all season long," said USF head coach Wade Merry. "This is a great honor for Charlie and I appreciate the other coaches in the conference recognizing his talents with these honors."

From the opening tournament of the fall, Hanson established himself as a contender. He fired back-to-back rounds of 69 at the MSU/CSP Fall Brawl to finish tied for second, immediately signaling the start of what would become one of the most consistent freshman seasons in program history. That early momentum carried into October, where he captured his first collegiate victory at the USF Invitational, highlighted by a season-low round of 68.

Across 11 events, Hanson recorded one win, three top-five finishes and five top-10 finishes while tallying 13 rounds at par or better. His steady play proved critical in elevating the Cougars throughout the season, including a fourth-place finish at The Hillcat Classic and a top-10 showing at the Augustana Invitational. He closed the conference slate with a tie for 11th at the NSIC Championships, helping Sioux Falls secure one of its strongest finishes at the event.

Hanson's impact extended beyond individual accolades, as he played a key role in a historic season for the Cougars. Sioux Falls posted a program-best 296.2 four-player team scoring average over 24 rounds, marking a new benchmark for sustained excellence within the program.

By season's end, Hanson's 73.19 scoring average not only ranked among the best in the NSIC but also placed him fourth in the USF record book for single-season scoring average — and the top mark ever recorded by a freshman in program history. His ability to produce low rounds while maintaining consistency throughout the year set him apart in a competitive conference field.

The postseason will provide another opportunity for Hanson to continue rewriting the program record book. He recently became the first golfer in school history to qualify as an individual for NCAA Regional competition and will represent the Cougars May 7-9 at Katke Golf Course.

With conference honors secured and more golf ahead, Hanson's freshman season has already established a new standard — one that signals both immediate success and a promising future for Sioux Falls men's golf.

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