Junior Ashley Bauer hasn’t missed a single tournament in her Michigan career. Over the past three years and 25 consecutive tournaments, there has been one constant for the Michigan women’s golf team: Bauer shows up.

But what’s so hard about that?

Michigan coach Kathy Teichert thinks it's plenty difficult. Bauer enjoys playing but also understands the sacrifices that come with being on a varsity team – like the lack of social life and sleep.

“It takes a lot of work every day,” Bauer said. “It’s tiring at times, but I would never want to miss a tournament.”

This year, Bauer’s competitive drive has taken her far. In the season-opening tournament, Bauer hit a 68 to finish first individually and help the Wolverines win the team title. Outside of her intensity, Teichert and Bauer agree that her strength is striking the ball.

“(During the first tournament) she was firing the ball right at the cup,” Teichert said.

In the team’s second tournament last weekend, in which the Wolverines placed a disappointing seventh out of 12 teams, Bauer tied freshman Milena Savich to lead the Wolverines in individual play. They shot a 234 in three rounds (78 average).

One person missing from the crowd during the first two tournaments was Ashley's sister, Meagan Bauer, a freshman, who is now Ashley's teammate.

“It’s a lot different,” Bauer said. “She’s not coming out and watching me play at the tournaments. She’s actually on the team. It’s nice to know she’s always there for me but it’s still a little different having her on the team.”

Teichert described the two sisters as having a give-and-take relationship – not only do they feed off each other, but Ashley helps Meagan make adjustments.

“In golf, it is a very humbling game,” Teichert said. “We were just humbled this past weekend, and Ashley can be there for the players, for her sister, in good and bad.”

Bauer has always been there for her team, and now is there for her sister as well. Her work ethic, leadership, and intangibles are all in favor of her succeeding the rest of her golf career.

“There’s expectation that you’re a role model, so what you do every day reflects upon yourself and your teammates, your coaches and your program,” Teichert said. “I think that’s one of the areas that Ashley has strived in.”