Franco, Gutuza Earn All-Conference Nods

Oskaloosa--William Penn women's golfers Gabriana Franco (Sr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) and Sarah Gutuza (So., Germiston, South Africa, Political Science) were honored for noteworthy campaigns as the 2026 all-Heart of America Athletic Conference team was announced Tuesday.

The duo was part of the 15-person team.  The top five placers (including ties) at this week's Heart Championship were selected for the team, while the others were determined via the Golf Stat individual adjusted scoring average ranking (minimum of 10 rounds played).

The award is the fourth for Franco, while Gutuza is a first-time recipient.

Franco and Gutuza helped WPU to a fifth-place finish at this week's Heart Championship.  The Statesmen won one tournament crown and placed in the top half of the standings on eight occasions.

Franco finished her senior year with an 80.9 stroke average in 24 rounds.  She posted nine rounds in the 70s with a low of 72 coming at the Missouri Valley Spring Invitational on April 20.  A two-time tournament champion and seven-time top-10 finisher, Franco collected three-time Heart Golfer of the Week laurels.

Gutuza managed an 83.3 stroke average in 24 rounds with her low round of 76 coming at the Bethany Classic on April 7.  The owner of five rounds in the 70s, the sophomore finished in the top 10 in six events (best finish was third place).

Chiara Bothe of Mount Mercy was named both Heart Player of the Year and Heart Freshman of the Year.  Mount Mercy Head Coach Jordan Amelon was tabbed as Coach of the Year.

To view the complete all-Heart teams, click HERE