Apollo’s own Mary Ann Lyons is set to continue her golf career at the collegiate level after she signed with Kentucky Wesleyan. Lyons recently finished her senior season with Apollo girls’ golf where she placed 10th overall in the Region 2 Tournament and made a semi-state appearance.
It means everything to have the opportunity to play collegiate golf, Lyons said. However, golf was not always what she wanted to pursue in college as she preferred throwing discus and shot put in track and field. That changed when she finished her final season and was stepping off the green in the state tournament, she said.
“I never considered playing golf at the collegiate level as throwing was my first love, but when I walked off the green one last time at state, it felt as if a switch was flipped,” she said. “It was a moment that I realized I really didn’t want to stop playing golf. I almost felt empty not playing. When Coach Badylak contacted me about playing golf, I really couldn’t resist the opportunity!”
Going to college close to home was not something Lyons had originally planned for herself, but she immediately reeled in by KWC. After touring the campus and discovering she can still compete in track and field, she was sold on being a Panther. She also enjoys the thought of being in her own home after a long day, she said.
“I chose KWC because it felt like home to me, and I’m not just saying that because it’s ten minutes down the road,” she said. “At first, I initially didn’t want to stay home because I just wanted to get out of town, but when I toured the campus, I realized how nice it was and how much bigger it was than I had thought. I have so many more opportunities staying here than I would if I went somewhere else. I also can still do track, but unattached since the college no longer has a track team, so that is definitely nice to know too!”
Although there is some time until her collegiate debut, Lyons already knows what she must improve on in her preparation. She plans to finish out her final track and field season and then head right back to the golf course. Lyons learned that her golfing is best after a track season, and she plans to use that to her advantage, she said.
“Well, my first priority is to finish off my senior track season and make it to state one last time, and as soon as that is over it will be straight to the golf course,” she said. “Track and golf really aren’t as different as they seem when it comes to movements, so I have found I actually play the best fresh out of track season. It will take time to get back into rhythm, but I know what I need to work on based on how I finished the golf season last year. My short game is going to be something I will need to work on, but hitting fairways is definitely going to be a priority.”
As for planning for academics, Lyons wants to double major in criminal justice and criminology and psychology, with a double minor in music and forensic science. Doing early college has put her far enough into her academics that she feels should be able to balance out studies, an athletic career, and a social life, she said.
With the track season getting closer to its end, as will Lyons’ days as a high school athlete. Lyons reflected on all the opportunities that high school sports has awarded her such as meeting new people and making new friends. She’ll also miss her having dad by her side as a coach, she said. David Lyons is head coach for Apollo girls’ golf and has been there to help Mary Ann throughout her career, she said.
“I have had so many opportunities, whether it be going to state every year, going to so many tournaments/meets and meeting new people and making friends,” she said. “I think that the biggest thing will be saying goodbye to most of the friends I’ve made through sports. I’m also going to miss having my dad by my side. It will be a big change for me as he has always been there and coached me through everything so it’s definitely going to be hard without him there sometimes.”
