MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois University women's golf program and Head Coach Zimmerman have announced the addition of Aradhana Manikandan to the 2026 roster. A native of Mumbai, India, Manikandan will study business while competing for the Leathernecks at the Division I level.

Manikandan completed her secondary education through the National Institute of Open Schooling and has been an active member of the prestigious Bombay Presidency Golf Club, one of India's premier golf institutions.

She brings an impressive competitive resume to Western Illinois. At the Grover's Inter-Club Championship, Manikandan won both of her Foursomes matches in 2023 and repeated the feat in 2024, again capturing victories in both matches. She continued her strong match-play performance in the Mumbai Golf League, going undefeated in 2024 with two individual match play wins (2-0) and following up in 2025 with one win and one tie (1-0-1).

Her consistent success in team and individual match play highlights her composure under pressure and her ability to contribute in key competitive moments.

"I chose WIU because Coach Zimmerman was extremely supportive and approachable throughout the recruiting process," said Manikandan. "He created a genuine and comfortable environment from the beginning, which made me feel confident in the program. I'm excited to compete at the Division I level and develop both academically and athletically in an environment committed to excellence."

Manikandan's addition strengthens the Leathernecks' international presence and adds valuable match-play experience to the lineup. The coaching staff looks forward to her continued growth both on the course and in the classroom as she begins her collegiate career at Western Illinois University.

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