WAVERLY - Following a standout junior season of collegiate golf, Cedar Falls native Steph Burns has decided to forego her senior year at Wartburg College.

No, Burns isn't opting out of school to join a professional tour. In fact, more classes lie ahead.

It has taken Burns just three years to earn her first college degree. She'll graduate in May and begin graduate school this fall at the University of Iowa.

"It's a little bittersweet," said Burns who will be competing for Wartburg today through Saturday in the Division III National Championships at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

"I'm really glad that this is how I get to go out. It's a prestigious way to wrap up a long career, and I'm really glad that my whole team is going.

"I think we'll have a lot of fun and hopefully play well. At the same time, I think I'll really miss golf next year, and part of me wishes I was coming back for another year, but that's just the way it goes."

Burns is one of four National Golf Coaches Association All-American scholars among Wartburg's top five. Senior teammate Kate Thompson of Webster City is also an NGCA All-American scholar and will be making a team-high third national tournament appearance.

"They really have been the anchors on our team," coach Monica Severson said.

Thompson finished 12th individually and joins Burns and junior Cedar Falls native Daina Deery as returnees from a squad that finished 10th at last year's national meet at Centennial Oaks in Waverly.

The Knights spent the majority of last fall rated No. 6, while qualifying for nationals with a 53-stroke margin of victory in the Iowa Conference meet. Wartburg has gotten off to a slow start this spring, however, and slipped to a No. 19 national ranking.

"This spring, none of us have really played to our full potential," Burns admitted. "I think all of us could agree on that."

Hudson native Ellen Rickert and freshman Paige Klosterman of Dyersville complete Wartburg's national lineup.

Deery and Burns are former prep teammates who routinely play together during the summer.

"It's been really awesome just being able to see each other grow as individuals and as players in this sport throughout high school and college," Deery said. "It was great to have (Burns) transfer in, and it's going to be sad to see her go after playing so many years with her."