Sports
Caitlin Clark Joins Legends at The ANNIKA LPGA Tournament for an Epic Day in Women’s Sports
BELLEAIR, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam is bringing her star power back to the LPGA, hosting the season’s penultimate event, The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Golf Club. Alongside her on the greens are women’s sports luminaries, including two-time major winner Brittany Lincicome, who steps away from full-time touring after this season, and WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark, whose debut on the LPGA stage promises a thrilling showcase of talent and camaraderie in women’s sports.
Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year, brings a fresh dynamic to the LPGA event, playing in Wednesday’s Pro-Am with Annika Sorenstam and world No. 1 Nelly Korda. Known for her on-court dominance, Clark admits to “average” golf skills but expressed excitement about the crossover experience.
- “I’ve tried to practice as much as I can,” Clark said with a laugh. “I’m just an average golfer. I’m going to hit some good, some bad. I’m just trying not to hit anyone standing outside the ropes.”
- Reflecting on the excitement of stepping outside her comfort zone, Clark added, “I love being outside and making it competitive with friends. I just don’t want to hit anyone with a golf ball. That’s my No. 1 priority.”
- In the pre-tournament press conference, Florida National News Reporter Mike Brodsky asked Caitlin Clark if there was a golfer she looked up to while growing up. Clark named PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy as her favorite golfer.
For fans, this event brings the best of both worlds: Lincicome’s nostalgic farewell and Clark’s first LPGA experience. Clark’s presence at the tournament underscores the unity among women’s sports and the support among female athletes across all leagues.
Brittany Lincicome LPGA Tour star. (J Willie David, III / Florida National News)
Brittany Lincicome, a proud St. Petersburg native, will mark her 20th LPGA season in what she’s calling her last full-time tour event. The moment is bittersweet as she brings her family to her home course for her final professional outing.
- “It’s super special. There are going to be tears; not sure if it’ll be on the first hole or the last,” Lincicome shared. “My husband is caddying, and my parents will bring our girls out. It’s literally a dream come true to finish in my backyard.”
- Clark is setting the bar playfully low for herself but shows appreciation for the sport. While her athletic prowess is unquestionable, she insists she’s keeping her golf ambitions realistic:
- “I’m strong, and I can hit it, but it just usually doesn’t go straight,” she admitted. “You just step up there and hope for the best.”
- Reflecting on her journey with golf, Clark shared that she used to play with her dad growing up and considers PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy her favorite golfer.
Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam, Tuesday, November 12, 2024. (J Willie David, III / Florida National News)
Sorenstam applauded the crossover appeal and impact of Clark’s participation, emphasizing the importance of women athletes supporting each other across sports. “What she has done for women’s basketball and sports is incredible. To have her here at our tournament is awe-inspiring,” Sorenstam remarked.
Takeaways:
- Clark’s Influence: Her attendance spotlights women’s golf, generating cross-sport interest and enthusiasm.
- Lincicome’s Farewell: A celebrated two-decade career concludes at home, with family and fans in attendance.
- Sorenstam’s Legacy: Annika’s ongoing influence promotes both the LPGA and the future of women’s sports.
The Caitlin Clark Foundation
Caitlin Clark Foundation Received Generous Donation (Mike Brodsky / Florida National News)
Clark’s charity organization, the Caitlin Clark Foundation, was given a generous $22,000 donation through Gainbridge’s Parity Week program ahead of The ANNIKA LPGA Tour in Belleair, Florida.
The first official round of The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge tees off Thursday. Lincicome and Clark’s participation highlights a powerful blend of competitive spirit and community among women athletes.
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J Willie David, III and Mike Brodsky contributed to this report.
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.
Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)
Commander, United States Army (Retired)
Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.
During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.
Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.
As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.
Her responsibilities included:
- Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
- Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
- Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
- Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit
“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”
She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.
Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.
In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.
Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.
Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.
Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.
Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.
Advocate for Women’s Sports
Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.
Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:
- She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
- Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season
Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.
She has delivered presentations for organizations including:
- Collegiate Sports Management Group
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Military Influencer Conference
- The Mayweather brand
- Streaming platform Twitch
Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.
Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:
“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Impact on Women and Future Leaders
Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.
Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.
Key Achievements and Milestones
- 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
- Three combat deployments
- Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
- Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
- Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
- First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
- Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
- Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
- Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
- Mother to Legend Thomas (8)
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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series
Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.
DETROIT (FNN SPORTS) — The Osceola Magic (25-10) saw their five-game winning streak come to an end Friday night, falling 132-118 to the Motor City Cruise (22-13) at Wayne State Fieldhouse.
Motor City was led by Wendell Moore Jr., who scored a game-high 24 points, while Quincy Olivari added 20 points. Isaac Jones contributed 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting as the Cruise bench outscored Osceola 63-39.
For the Magic, Phillip Wheeler led the way with 23 points on an efficient 8-of-9 shooting performance. Lester Quiñones added 21 points, while Colin Castleton recorded his 10th double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Both teams came out firing in the first quarter, each shooting above 50 percent from the field. The Magic took a 41-33 lead after the opening period behind 12 points from Quiñones and 11 from Jarron Cumberland, including three shots from beyond the arc.
Scoring slowed in the second quarter, with neither team surpassing 40 percent shooting. Motor City trimmed the deficit, but Osceola maintained a 61-56 lead at halftime.
The Magic extended their advantage to double digits early in the third quarter before the Cruise shifted momentum. Motor City erupted on a 15-0 run over a four-minute stretch midway through the period to take its first lead of the game. Jones scored 11 points on perfect shooting in the quarter, while Moore added 10 points. The Cruise closed the third quarter on a hot streak to take a 105-94 lead into the final frame.
Osceola was unable to recover from the third-quarter surge as Motor City maintained control in the fourth to secure the victory.
Up Next
The Magic conclude the regular season Saturday, March 28, with the second game of their series against the Cruise. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET and will stream on NBA G League platform NBAGLeague.com.
Osceola will host an opening-round game in the 2026 NBA G League Playoffs, presented by Google, on Wednesday, April 1. The opponent and game time will be determined at the conclusion of the regular season.
Game Notes
- The Magic have scored 4,166 total points during the regular season, their highest total since the 2019–20 season.
- Quiñones now has 815 points this season, the second-most in a single season in franchise history, surpassing Troy Caupain’s 2018-19 mark.
- Reece Beekman recorded his 70th steal of the season, tying TJ Price for the third-most steals in a single season in franchise history.
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