Laura Kwiatkowski has the combination of academic excellence and golf talent Oakland University women’s golf coach Dave DeWulf is looking for.
As a result, Kwiatkowski, a senior at Brandon High School, will be making her way to the Golden Grizzlies? program beginning with the 2006-07 season.
Kwiatkowski, who said she was also considering Grand Valley State University, said two factors in her choosing Oakland were the fact they offered the most scholarship money (about 25 percent of tuition) and her comfort level with the current OU team.
‘The team’s real nice and they seem real welcoming,? said Kwiatkowski, who plans to major in biochemistry at OU.
DeWulf, who has coached the Golden Grizzlies? women’s program since 2000, said he thinks Kwiatkowski will be an excellent fit with the team.
‘Laura is one of those players who seems to be extremely motivated,? he said. ‘She’s obviously an excellent student and she has a very upbeat personality. She came out to visit and the girls on the team thought she was wonderful.?
Kwiatkowski, who was usually the medalist for the Blackhawks in Flint Metro League action, has qualified for the Division 2 state girls? meet two years in a row. She is slated to take part in this year’s meet June 2-3.
DeWulf said Kwiatkowski and Grand Blanc senior Austin McDermaid, the two main newcomers on the Golden Grizzlies next season, will have to make the adjustment to golfing at the college level.
‘Obviously, she will have to improve like any freshman,? he said. ‘It’s not too often that a freshman can crack the starting lineup. I wouldn’t be surprised if they both needed some seasoning. It takes one or two seasons to get acclimated to playing golf at the college level. You have to raise up your level of play.?
In addition, DeWulf said the two freshmen will be going to a team well-established in the Mid-Continent Conference, as Oakland has finished second in the conference three years in a row against some tough competition.