CHICO, Calif. – The Chico State women’s golf team, gearing up for a new season that they hope will result in a second straight trip to the NCAA Division II National Championship, has made a significant addition to its 2009-10 roster with the announcement that southern California prep standout Tiara Wells has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Wildcats this fall.

Wells comes to Chico following an outstanding senior year at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, Calif. She was the Centurions’ low scorer in four of her team’s five league matches in 2008, and in postseason play reached the finals of the CIF-WSCGA regional golf championship – the first member of Saugus High’s girl’s golf team to reach the CIF finals in four years. Wells earned All-Foothill League first team honors from both the Santa Clarita Valley Signal and LA Daily News.

Earlier this year, Wells was just one of 15 players representing the Los Angeles County Junior Golf program to participate in a five-hole exhibition with PGA pros in the AT&T Champions Classic at Valencia Country Club in Santa Clarita.

Wells is also a horseback riding enthusiast and has been a member of the California Rangers Equestrian team since 2000. She is currently competing throughout the western United State as a color guard rider with the champion California Ranger Eagle drill team. 

“Tiara's golf and drill team background reveals a dedicated athlete who is not adverse to put in the practice and work,” said Chico State women’s golf head coach Kathy Dais. “I believe her self-motivation will immediately make a difference for our team.”

The Wildcats are scheduled to open the 2009-10 campaign September 28 as part of the Grand Canyon Invitational at Coldwater Golf Club in Avondale, Ariz.