B6 SPORTS • THE PRESS, NORTH RIDGEVILLE PRESS, WEST LIFE • MARCH 16, 2016 SPORTS • THE PRESS, NORTH RIDGEVILLE PRESS, WEST LIFE • MARCH 16, 2016 B7 AAnyny TTimeime IIss TeeTee TTimeime

Golfer Gerome forgoes college to pursue professional dreams

NORTH RIDGEVILLE “Q School is qualifying golf tournaments. All quali- fying tournament finalists win a membership for the fol- By Joe Ostrica lowing season - known as a tour card - to be able to play on most tour events.” North Ridgeville High School senior Nicole Gerome A Division I state qualifier her junior year at North is going for it. A standout golfer for the Lady Rangers Ridgeville, Gerome finished among the top 30 in her first since her freshman year, Gerome is foregoing college ath- trip to the state championship. Despite Ohio’s non- letic eligibility to pursue her dream of being a profes- friendly weather for golfers during the winter season, sional golfer. Gerome said she has been able to remain active in im- “I had all the intentions of going to college to play proving her game. golf, then move on to play golf as a professional,” “I have a practice net and putting green set up in my Gerome said. “One day I was given an opportunity to by- garage for the winter,” she said. “I also travel to different pass college and go after my dream playing golf now as states to play golf tournaments. I have a certified golf my career. With deep consideration of what it takes to go strength trainer, Jeff Yannarell, who meets with we twice the next level of being a professional golfer, I knew I a week in my home. Then I meet twice a week with my wanted to focus all my time working towards my dream. swing coach, a pro at Cossett Creek named Darren Butler. “With support of my family, golf coaches, Core 5 They are both helping me to be stronger and have more Sports and, most importantly, God, I know its a great op- accuracy in my game.” portunity I couldn’t pass.” Gerome said her goals for the summer are to keep Core 5 Sports Management is a Cleveland-based con- training, getting stronger and developing more en- sulting, marketing and agency representation firm. durance. Gerome said she felt comfortable with them while sub- “Of course I want to enjoy being able to play the game mitting her application for Q School to the LPGA and at- I love,” she said. “I can not express how excited I am to tempting to secure a spot on the Symetra Tour starting be able to continue to play the game of golf. I look for- in the fall 2016. ward to traveling and being able to play on golf courses “I love their core principles, which are honesty, in- all over the United States. tegrity, dedication, perseverance and teamwork,” “Nothing is better than stepping onto the first tee, tak- Gerome said. “They believe in me and feel I can reach ing in all the beauty of the golf course and be blessed to my goals and bring enjoyment of golf for all to watch. be able to play such a beautiful sport.”

Nicole Gerome follows through on her swing, and hopes that swing takes her to many competitions and courses throughout the country.

‘I knew I wanted to focus all my time working towards my dream.’

– North Ridgeville High School senior Nicole Gerome

North Ridgeville’s Nicole Gerome (and friend Stitch of Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch”) is all Nicole Gerome is a 2014 Division I state qualifier. smiles when she’s on a golf course.

All photos courtesy of the Gerome family