LouisvilleCatholicSports.com

SHA graduate earns significant Big Ten honors

Sacred Heart Academy graduate and Indiana University freshman golfer Lindsay Gahm has made a big splash during her first year with the Hoosiers, but it's not the kind that's causing her to take a penalty stroke.

Instead, Gahm has constructed a rookie resume that has her among the top first-year players in the country, which was solidified this week when she was named to the Big Ten All-Conference Second Team and recognized as the conference’s Women’s Golf Freshman of the Year.

Only two other IU women’s golfers had earned that award in the history of the program.

Gahm, who says her ultimate goal is to one day play on the LPGA Tour, also finished 21st individually in last weekend’s Big Ten Tournament and earned one of six invitations to compete as an individual in the NCAA Central Region Women's Golf Tournament, which will be held May 5-7 at the University of Notre Dame.

“It was a bittersweet moment finding out I made it (to regionals) individually,” said Gahm. “But I'm proud to represent our team next weekend and hopefully can keep IU going into the NCAA (Tournament).”

After capturing a high school state golf championship during her senior year with the Valkyries, it’s no surprise that Gahm is excelling at IU, but she was unsure of what her first collegiate season would have in store.

“Coming in as a freshman, I honestly had no idea what to expect,” said Gahm. “I did not travel to the first two tournaments in the Fall and knew a lot of hard work was ahead of me. With a few changes and a lot of extra hours on the course, I started to see the extra work pay off. I truly believe my success wouldn't have been possible without the drive and support of teammates and coaches.”

During this past season at IU, Gahm was tops on the team in stroke average at 74.33 and finished a team-best third place overall at the Lady Northern Invitational (Evanston, IL) in October.

Racking up such an impressive list of achievements and accolades, Gahm says she is grateful for her many supporters, including her alma mater in Louisville. 

“I probably wouldn't be where I am today without Sacred Heart Academy,” said Gahm. “Not a day goes by when I do not think about that place or all the people that have influenced me in some way. There's no golf program in the state of Kentucky that can compare with Coach Leslie Bender and Athletic Director Donna Moir. They gave me all the opportunities and tools to succeed in golf and gave me 4 years of great memories.”

Despite her allegiance to SHA, Gahm has certainly transitioned into the college game nicely and has quickly changed her sights to new rivals. When asked what her goals are during her time at Indiana, Gahm mentioned a Big Ten Conference Championship and to qualify for the NCAA Tournament as an individual and more importantly with her team.

But she saved her most significant goal for last.

“And to beat Purdue at all costs,” said Gahm.