Amanda Blumenherst is the exception to the rule, the trend-buster in women’s college golf, and the type of player – and person -- all coaches like to point to when trying to persuade their best to forget about the pro ranks and stay in school.

Go ahead, let Blumenherst’s more celebrated peers like Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel skip the college ranks and go straight to the LPGA. Blumenherst, a Scottsdale resident and former Xavier standout, is happy just being a kid and playing college golf for Duke.

And, oh, how she’s bloomin’!

This past season, Blumenherst recorded what has to be one of the most incredible freshman campaigns of all-time, perhaps ever. To wit:

*The first player in women’s college golf to ever be named the player of the year along with scholar-athlete of the year in the same season.

*The first freshman to ever hold the No. 1 ranking in college golf from the beginning to the end of the season.

*The college freshman of the year, along with the Atlantic Coast Conference’s player of the year.

*And if that’s not enough, how about leading the Blue Devils to the NCAA title while earning first-team All-American status in the process.

About the only accolade that eluded Blumenherst was NCAA medalist honors, as she ended up five shots back in a tie for ninth. She did, however, win three times during the season, including her very first college tournament, as well as the conference crown.

That Blumenherst had the best average in college golf – 71.62 strokes per 18 holes – also says a lot. But perhaps not quite as much as the 3.94 GPA she posted at Duke, one of America’s more difficult academic institutions.

“Surprised? Oh, definitely,’’ the 19-year-old history major said of her year to remember. “I tried very hard to balance school and golf – that was the biggest challenge -- and it turned out amazing.’’

Yes, that’s understating the achievement, but then again, that’s Amanda Blumenherst. Not everyone, however, was surprised.

“As a little girl, I could see (the potential),’’ said her father, Dave Blumenherst, who introduced Amanda to the game. “By age 11, I knew she had the talent and the mindset.

“I guess you could say she was driven to be No. 1, not just in golf but in academics, too.’’

Most parents only wish their child could be so grounded. But that’s my take on Blumenherst, who had this response when I asked her if, given her success in 2005-06, she’s had a change in plans.

“Oh, no, I definitely plan on being at Duke for the next three years,’’ said Bluemenherst, who played in her first LPGA event last week, where she missed the cut at the ShopRite Classic despite rounds of 73-71.

“Playing (in the ShopRite) made me feel like that even more than ever. I won’t trade college for anything.’’

Was the LPGA experience too intimidating?

“Not really intimidating,’’ she said. “It’s more like, in college you have school, golf and a lot of other things to do. These women (on the LPGA), they’re down to business -- very serious -- whereas I like being laid back in college.

“I guess the bottom line is, the tour is always going to be there. And if I don’t finish college now, I’d probably never finish. Besides, you’re only a kid once.’’

Actually, Blumenherst did entertain one scenario where she would come out early.

But I got the feeling I put the idea into her head rather than visa versa.

“Oh, yeah, if I qualify for the (U.S. Women’s) Open and would somehow win it as an amateur, then I might rethink (turning pro),’’ she said. “But even then, I’m not sure how it would work. Things would really have to fall into place, because right now, I’m having a blast.’’

Now there is a headline that would be bigger than Michelle Wie attempting to qualify for the U.S. Men’s Open:

“Blumenherst Wins U.S. Women’s Open, Decides to Stay in School!’’