JONESBORO, Ark. (5/27/26) – Arkansas State women's golf head coach MJ Desbiens Shaw announced Thursday that Wichita State transfer Kayla Van de Ven has signed and will join the program ahead of the 2026-27 season.

"We're excited to have Kayla joining our program," Shaw said. "She brings valuable international experience and a level of maturity that will benefit our team. She's a natural player with a strong team-first mentality that will enhance our chemistry. I believe she will make an immediate impact."

A native of Napier, New Zealand, Van de Ven has a career 77.00 stroke average in 41 rounds played over two seasons with the Shockers. In her sophomore season, she carried a 76.04 stroke average in nine events played. Her best finish was a tie for fifth in the regular season finale, Stampede at the Creek. She carded a career-best 54-hole total of 5-over par 221 (72-78-71) at the Rio Verde Invitational and totaled four finishes inside the top 15.

Van de Ven competed in all six spring tournaments posting a 78.5 scoring average. She turned in a career-low 2-under par 70 in the opening round of the Mountain View Intercollegiate. Graduating from Taradale High School, she posted a prep average round score of 74. She won the Praparaumu Junior Open, Wellington Girls Matchplay, the Fielding Golf Club Open and the Manawatu District Stroke Play Championship in the year prior to beginning her collegiate career.