L.C. freshman golfer Shoemake has exceeded expectations

Kylie Shoemake's mental resiliency on the golf course insists a maturity level that reaches far beyond her age.

The Lake Central freshman has exceeded expectations for the Indians this season, shooting a 39 -- her best nine-hole round recorded in competitive play -- Thursday at Briar Ridge during a triangular meet with Munster and Highland.

"It felt amazing, because I've been working so hard," said Shoemake, the Indians' No. 1 golfer. "I didn't believe it at first."

Lake Central coach Chris Rossiano said Shoemake has been a much-welcomed boost of talent to an already strong team this season, and her accomplishments this year have gone above and beyond his preseason hopes for her.

"I was hoping for her to at least play at the varsity level competitively," Rossiano said. "I knew she was going to be at least fighting for a top spot. She had the best scoring average after about four tournaments, and I asked her if she was ready to play in (the Duneland Athletic Conference tournament) against (Valparaiso's Harley Dubsky) and Kelly Grassel. She smiled and said, 'Absolutely.' That's when I knew I had a good, competitive golfer."

Shoemake's success this season is even more impressive given the fact that she first started golfing competitively only two years ago and got involved with the Northwest Indiana Junior Golf Association just last season.

Rossiano first met Shoemake when she was in seventh grade when he helped run a golf clinic for middle school kids. He gave her some information about the NIJGA, and she had a good swing.

While he said Shoemake has all the physical and mental golf skills to succeed, it's the consistency that needs to come along.

"She can hit the ball off the tee. She's got good iron play. She's got a good short game," Rossiano said. "It's just a matter of getting it all to click at the same time. It's that overall consistency that most golfers are looking for."

For Shoemake, it was just a matter of believing her own skills were good enough to succeed. Being the Indians' No. 1 golfer came with some pressure, but that has since dissipated.

"It feels good, because I know I can actually (succeed)," she said. "I have more confidence. I had trouble with having confidence, but it's gotten better."

Shoemake averages in the low 40s for nine holes. Though she has three years to reach the goal, she's already aiming to help lead Lake Central to the grandest stage of high school golf.

"My personal goal is to keep shooting in the low 40s and to try to get our team to state," she said.