Nov. 12, 2008

RUSTON -- Louisiana Tech golf head coach Dr. Jean Hall announced Wednesday morning that Hayden Stephens of Georgetown, Texas, has signed his national letter of intent to play for the Bulldog golf team next year.

"We're extremely excited about having Hayden," Hall said. "I consider him to be a top recruit along the lines of (Tech junior) Matthew Harvey. Hayden is a quality player from a great family and an outstanding young man. I expect that he should be able to step right in and help us immediately."

Golfweek Magazine ranks Stephens the third best prospect in the state of Texas and 81st overall nationally, while the Amateur Golf Association ranks him 89th overall nationally.

He lettered four seasons under head coach Vernon Killen at Georgetown High School in District 15-5A. Last season, Stephens won the individual district championship by 10 shots. He also won the Club Championships when he was 16 years old.

Stephens has led Georgetown HS to three district championships. Tech junior Matthew Harvey also attended Georgetown HS where he and Stephens played together.

"When Matthew won the 5A Texas State Championship as a senior, Hayden was a freshman," Hall said. "He's been playing 5A Texas golf since he was a freshman."

Louisiana Tech opens the 2009 season at the All-American Golf Classic in Spring, Texas, Feb. 23, 2009.