A celebrated champion, beloved teacher, and lifelong advocate for women’s golf has left the greens forever. Nancy Kroll — a state title winner, record-setting golfer, and devoted East Greenbush educator — passed away Wednesday at the age of 62, surrounded by the community she cherished.
Kroll’s story is one of perseverance, community, and an enduring love for the game. A member of Pinehaven Country Club in her final years, she faced a 17-month battle with cancer, supported by an army of friends, family, and fellow golfers who stood by her side until the end.
A Record-Breaking Career Rooted in Passion
Originally from Rotterdam, Kroll became a local legend throughout the Capital Region golf scene. In 2018, she captured her seventh championship title with the Northeastern Women’s Golf Association (NEWGA), surpassing Mary Jo Kelly’s long-held record of six. That victory also marked an extraordinary 31 years between Kroll’s first and final NEWGA titles — a feat few in any sport can claim.
“Nancy was an incredible figure in women’s golf throughout our region,” said Jane King, president of NEWGA. “The golf community has truly lost someone irreplaceable.”
Her career stretched across decades: early titles came in 1987, 1988, 1992, and 1996, followed by a remarkable comeback after a 15-year break with wins in 2015, 2017, and 2018. But here’s where her story stands out — even after years away from competition, she returned stronger than ever.
A Voice for Women in Golf
Beyond competition, Kroll worked tirelessly to elevate women’s golf, participating in both competitive and social leagues. After her final NEWGA victory, she shared her motivation with the Times Union: “I grew up playing in NEWGA. That trophy means so much to me. Keeping this tradition alive and bringing more women — and more clubs — back into the organization is important.”
Throughout her career, she achieved ten holes-in-one and competed in landmark events such as the inaugural USGA Team Championship and the NYSGA Amateur Series finale. She also held back-to-back titles at the Schenectady Women’s Championship in 2017 and 2018, proudly representing Schenectady Municipal Golf Course.
Lessons from Her Father, a Golf Great
Nancy’s love of golf began with her father, Edward Kroll, who served as the golf professional at Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown for more than four decades. A proud member of the PGA of America for 58 years, he passed down not only skill but a deep sense of discipline and respect for the game.
When Edward passed away in 2013 after battling Alzheimer’s, Nancy honored him the following year by winning the New York State Women’s Senior Amateur Championship at Kanon Valley Country Club. Reflecting on that emotional victory, she told reporters, “My dad’s voice was always in my head — every swing, every word of encouragement. He couldn’t be there in person this time, but he was absolutely with me.”
Reinvention and Legacy
Golf instructor John Souza, who worked with Nancy for over 20 years, described her as a player who constantly rediscovered her strengths. “She was molded so strongly by her dad’s teachings — she never lost that foundation,” he said. “But as she aged, she found new ways to sharpen her game. It’s what made her later championships so inspiring.”
Souza recalled how Kroll often shared her father’s golf memorabilia and books with other players. “She wanted her dad’s influence to live on through others,” he said. “Nancy was kind, genuine, and always uplifting to those around her.”
Carolyn Mancini, from Binghamton Country Club, shared many competitions and car rides with Kroll. Their friendship began during Kroll’s 2014 state win and deepened through shared humor and passion for the sport. “She had such a fluid, graceful swing,” Mancini said. “More importantly, she made every round joyful — she truly loved golf and the people who played it.” The two bonded further over their mutual love for the movie Moonstruck, quoting lines back and forth during tournaments. Mancini described Kroll as a “catalyst for women’s golf” who constantly encouraged others to play, travel, and connect.
From Cooperstown to the Classroom
Nancy’s journey began in Cooperstown but took her to Florida during high school, where she attended Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach and played golf year-round. Her college years at Rollins College and Florida Atlantic University nurtured both her athletic and academic talents, culminating in a degree in education. Later, she earned a master’s degree in special education from The College of Saint Rose.
Since 2007, she had been a dedicated teacher at Howard L. Goff Middle School in the East Greenbush Central School District. “Mrs. Kroll was a beloved member of our community,” the district said in a statement. “Her compassion and commitment to students with special needs left a lasting impact.”
Kroll is survived by her sisters, Louise Anne Kroll of Cooperstown and Kathryn Kroll of Oneonta. A celebration of her life will be held in the spring.
Nancy Kroll’s story challenges us to think deeper about success — is it the trophies we win, or the lives we touch along the way? Her journey through golf, teaching, and life suggests it’s both.
What do you think her greatest accomplishment was — the records, the teaching, or the legacy she inspired among women golfers? Share your thoughts below — because this is one story that deserves to keep being told.
