Golf has long been a big part of Samantha McLaughlin’s life. It comes as no surprise that she plans to continue her career at the college level.
McLaughlin recently signed with Fairmont State, an NCAA Division II program located in Fairmont, W.Va.
She said she was attracted to the West Virginia school because of what it offers both academically and athletically.
“I am going into architecture and they have a really good architecture program there,” she said. “They also have a very strong golf program. I feel like I can fit in well there.”
McLaughlin has been a staple of the Lady Chieftain program for the last four years. She was a district qualifier in each of her four seasons.
“She’s not afraid to put the work in and she is not afraid to try something new,” said Bellefontaine head coach Darin Vermillion. “I know she will continue to work at her game and she will continue to grow in college.”
McLaughlin said she also considered Ohio Northern and Judson University. In looking for a college golf program, she researched the teams and scores of the golfers already there. She believes she can fit in well at Fairmont St.
“They have some good golfers there and I hope I can make an early impact,” she said.
“I definitely think it’s a good fit for her,” said Vermillion. “Looking at their scores, she should come in as their number-two golfer. That’s a pretty good spot to be in as a freshman.”
McLaughlin was the Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail division golfer of the year as a junior and senior and was a four-time first- team all-CBC performer.