Jada Ford Caps Standout Freshman Season with Historic Finish at NJCAA Golf Nationals

June 10, 2025

Jada Ford, a freshman at Westmoreland County Community College, wrapped up an impressive debut season with a historic performance at the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Women’s Golf National Championship, finishing in eighth place—the highest national finish ever by a golfer, male or female, in Westmoreland’s history.

Ford, a 2024 graduate of Yough Senior High School and resident of West Newton, competed in a highly competitive, four-day championship with rounds of 102, 100, 93, and 99. Her Thursday round of 93 marked a personal best in her college career, followed by a 99 on Friday—her second-lowest collegiate score. She entered the tournament with a spring season scoring average of 105, showing clear progress when it mattered most.

“I just felt like this was going to be her best ever round of golf,” said Westmoreland head coach Jeff Black. “She just kept improving and I was so excited to see her do so well. Her hard work paid off.”

Ford’s remarkable season earned her second-team All-American honors, another first for the Westmoreland golf program. Earlier in the spring, she won the NJCAA Region 20 Championship at The Links at Spring Church and was crowned the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) women’s champion during the fall season.

“She has been amazing to watch,” said Patrick Comer, Westmoreland’s athletic director. “Our college is so proud that she selected Westmoreland as the place to compete and expand her golfing career. We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.”

In addition to her hard work on the course, Ford is pursuing a demanding academic path, studying for an Associate of Science degree in Nursing.

“I think Westmoreland was the right place for me in many ways,” said Ford. “Golf has always been an important part of my life and Westmoreland allowed me to continue to improve on the green and pursue a career in nursing which has been my dream for a while. After I graduate from Westmoreland, I plan to go on and get my Bachelor’s degree and ultimately, my Master’s degree.”

A multisport athlete at Yough, where she competed in golf, cross country, and volleyball, Ford has emerged as a standout example of academic and athletic excellence at the collegiate level. With her freshman season now complete, all eyes are on what she'll accomplish next—on the course and in the classroom. Westmoreland is proud to be have been her choice when it came to athletics and academics.