LUCKEY — The next step in Alyssa Shimel’s golf career will be a big one.
But it’s a step the Eastwood senior is more than willing to take.
Shimel signed her NCAA national letter of intent with the University of Michigan on Wednesday, the first
day for prospective college athletes to sign.
“It’s really exciting. I’ve been a Michigan fan ever since I was little so the fact that I’m actually
going there to play golf is really cool,” Shimel said. “It’s been one of my goals ever since I was
little, to play college golf.”
Shimel recently capped off a tremendous high school career by winning the Division II state championship
last month. She made three trips to the state tournament in her career, finishing in the top eight of
the individuals each time.
Shimel received a 90 percent full-ride scholarship to Michigan, as NCAA regulations allow a total of 51?2
scholarships for women’s golf per school.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Shimel said. “I know I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I
think it’s going to be fun and challenging. I’ll have to set some new goals.”
Michigan is coached by Cheryl Stacy, currently in her first year. Stacy was a two-time All-American while
playing at Ohio State from 1983-85.
“I know there’s a lot that she can teach me,” Shimel said of Stacy.
Shimel, who verbally committed to Michigan last year, chose the Wolverines over other schools such as
Ohio State, Minnesota, Colorado State, Arizona State, Iowa State and Xavier.
“They’ve got a great program there,” Shimel said. “They’ve got great practice facilities that we can use
and then on the academic side I’m looking at a major in business and they have probably the best
business school in the country.”
“The stuff that they provide for the student-athletes to be able to study is really cool. It helps out a
lot,” she added.
Shimel, who plays throughout the year in high-profile tournaments in an effort to continually improve her
game, is looking forward to playing at the next level.
Although lofty, she stated her goals in college as becoming an All-American, Big Ten player of the year,
and ultimately an NCAA champion.
“I feel like if I continue to work as hard as I am and continue to push myself I think I can definitely
achieve my goals,” Shimel said. “I’m definitely excited and nervous too because it’s something
different, away from home, away from people that I know.”
“It’s a new level. It’s going to be more of a challenge,” she added. “There’s’ going to be a lot more
great competitors but I’m really looking forward to that.”
Shimel plans on majoring in accounting at Michigan. She is a member of Eastwood’s National Honor Society
and holds a cumulative grade-point average of 3.8.