UNF Golfer Kaitlyn Schroeder Finds Success After Returning Home

Schroeder's homecoming to play for her father at UNF has fueled her breakout junior season.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:23pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a golfer's swing broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a palette of emerald green, sky blue, and warm ochre, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.Kaitlyn Schroeder's homecoming to UNF has fueled her breakout junior season, as the Cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy of her golf game.Dothan Today

Kaitlyn Schroeder, a junior golfer at the University of North Florida, has found great success this season after transferring back home to play for her father, UNF's golf director. Growing up around the UNF golf program, Schroeder initially disliked the sport, but developed a love for competitive golf in middle school. After struggling mentally during her freshman year at the University of Alabama, Schroeder returned to UNF, where she has thrived, earning four ASUN Golfer of the Week awards this season with three runner-up finishes.

Why it matters

Schroeder's story highlights the importance of finding the right environment and support system for student-athletes. Her homecoming to UNF has allowed her to excel both on and off the course, tapping into her competitive drive and familiarity with the program. This success could inspire other student-athletes to prioritize their mental health and find the right fit, even if it means transferring closer to home.

The details

Schroeder, a Jacksonville native, grew up around the UNF golf program, as her father, Scott Schroeder, has coached the men's team for nearly 20 years and is now the director of golf. Despite initially disliking the sport, Schroeder fell in love with competitive golf in middle school, thanks in part to her competitive nature and the influence of the UNF golf team. After a difficult freshman year at Alabama, Schroeder transferred back to UNF, where she has thrived, posting three runner-up finishes this season and earning four ASUN Golfer of the Week awards.

  • Schroeder played her freshman year at the University of Alabama in 2022-2023.
  • Schroeder transferred to UNF and is currently a redshirt junior for the 2024-2025 season.
  • Schroeder has posted three runner-up finishes this season, with her most recent coming at the Florida State Match Up in Tallahassee last week.

The players

Kaitlyn Schroeder

A junior golfer at the University of North Florida who has found great success this season after transferring back home to play for her father, UNF's golf director.

Scott Schroeder

Kaitlyn Schroeder's father, who has coached the UNF men's golf team for nearly 20 years and is now the director of golf, overseeing both the men's and women's teams.

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What they’re saying

“Just having the opportunity to play for him was really exciting for me.”

— Kaitlyn Schroeder, UNF Golfer

“Even if I didn't want to [play golf], I would get a reward-type situation. I always loved playing games with people growing up, so that made it fun for me.”

— Kaitlyn Schroeder, UNF Golfer

What’s next

Schroeder and the UNF women's golf team will compete in the Mo Classic in St. Augustine next week, followed by the ASUN Tournament in Dothan, Alabama, in early April.

The takeaway

Kaitlyn Schroeder's story demonstrates the importance of finding the right environment and support system for student-athletes. Her decision to transfer back to UNF and play for her father has allowed her to thrive both on and off the course, showcasing the value of prioritizing mental health and personal fit over external factors.