Following a sensational high school golf career at Benjamin Logan, Mailiis Simovart is ready to challenge herself at the college level.
The Ben Logan senior recently signed with Ashland University, which competes at the NCAA Division II level.
“I love the coach there,” said Simovart of her decision to golf for the Eagles. “Coach (Gene) Grabiec is an awesome coach and I think he can teach me a lot. I am excited to learn more. They also have a great campus and great academics.”
Simovart said she received interest from the University of Findlay and some other Division II programs, but was sold on Ashland throughout the process.
“We are extremely excited for Mailiis,” said Ben Logan girls golf coach Tiann Harner. “We feel she has opened the door to the idea of playing at this level. We would not be surprised if all these girls decide to play at the next level.
“We feel Ashland is a great fit for her. The coach has been in constant contact with her all season. She feels very comfortable and valued.”
Simovart did not take up golf until she was in seventh grade. She was a quick learner. As a freshman for the Raiders, she earned first-team all-Central Buckeye Conference honors.
She was the CBC Mad River division golfer of the year as a sophomore and was the co-Mad River golfer of the year as a junior along with teammate Sydney Wesson.
During her senior season, Simovart averaged 39.8 for nine holes and 81.9 for 18 holes. She earned a spot on the all-CBC first team for the fourth time in her career.
In addition, Simovart helped the Raiders reach the Division II state tournament as a junior and senior.
“She has great discipline for the game,” said Harner. “Her work ethic to improve her game is one of her greatest strengths. She will be a fantastic asset to the Ashland team.”
Simovart is a very skilled golfer with stellar accuracy off the tee as well as a strong short game. However, she feels she still has room to grow.
“I need to hit the ball longer,” she said. “The courses in college are going to be longer, so I need to work on getting stronger and work to hit the ball longer.”