DATE: August 16, 2006
MEDIA CONTACT: Melanie McDonald, director of media relations
PHONE: 574-284-4579
E-MAIL: mmcdonal@saintmarys.edu

In Good Company: Saint Mary’s College Ranks Among Ivy League for Golf and Academics

NOTRE DAME, Ind.—What do Princeton, Yale and Saint Mary’s College have in common? “Golf Digest” magazine recognized them as the top three schools for student-athletes interested in playing collegiate golf. Harvard ranks fourth behind Saint Mary’s.

http://www.golfdigest.com/features/index.ssf?/features/gd200609collegewomengolf.html

“Golf Digest” lists the top 50 schools for high-achieving students who also want to play varsity golf. The magazine writes, “For juniors who are excellent students first, golfers second, these schools provide the absolute best education and an opportunity to play.”

An NCAA Division III school and an elite program in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), Saint Mary’s has made four consecutive NCAA championship appearances. Coach Mark Hamilton has also led his team to four consecutive MIAA conference titles. In 2003, Saint Mary’s golfer Stephanie Simmerman became the college’s first national champion.

“Saint Mary’s has continued to progress to the point that the combination of athletics and academics available is virtually one of the finest offerings in the country,” says golf coach Mark Hamilton. “I am glad our golf program has been able to bring that fact into the national spotlight.”

Athletics is a priority at Saint Mary’s, as more girls are competing on high school teams and are looking for ways to continue playing sports in college. “Saint Mary’s athletes are strong students who don’t eat, live and breathe their sport,” says Athletic Director Lynn Kachmarik. “But all athletes want to be the best they can be. When they get to college, they want to go to the next level."

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