Senior Jesse Staed’s golf career at Notre Dame Academy may have come to an end recently, but it does not stop there for her.

Staed has verbally committed to Loyola University Chicago, having been awarded a four year scholarship, and she said she looks forward to playing college golf and studying sports medicine.

“Jesse got better every season.  She was a four year varsity player who made improvements in both her physical and mental game from year to year.  Jessie had a great career and has been a major part of our team for the last four seasons,” said golf coach and math teacher Brian Bobinski.

Staed returned the compliment to Bobinski: “He was always there with us being supportive like he always is, doing the best he can. I know we can be a pain, but I am happy that he’s been my coach for four years.”

Staed was the recipient of Best Co-Player as a freshman, Best Player of the Year her sophomore and junior year, First Team All-Conference and Academic All-state team award. Staed has also set a school record and course record at Thornberry Creek Golf Course.

“The girls are always in a good mood and always trying to do their best,” Staed said.

She was particularly close to some of her teammates. Alongside her was twin sister Jacque and younger sister, Stephanie.

Coming in fifth in this year’s state championship Division I competition, , Staed knows the team did well this year despite the outcome.

“I am very proud of the season our team had this year. We lost a large and talented senior class to graduation last year, but our current players worked hard to step up and keep our program successful,” Bobinski said.

Staed, originally from Springfield, Missouri, started golf at a young age, working towards personal goals and being entered in individual golf tours.  Staed has played for various tours such as the Future Champions Golf Tour, Wisconsin PGA Junior Foundation, American Junior Golf Association and Mid-American Junior Golf Tour.

“My dad is the one that got me into golf. He supports me and is the one who signs me up for tournaments in the summer so I’m thankful for him,” said Staed.

“I probably wouldn’t be where I am in golf today if it wasn’t for him. He’s always been there and puts me in the hardest competitions I have been in to make me competitive and putting me into the right mindset.”

Staed has gotten a lot of attention from the media and since she started high school golf. Freshman year the media first contacted Staed about her golf career. Being scared at first, she said she did not want to talk to them.

“I’ve gotten used to it over the years. It changed a lot,” Staed said regarding the reporters.

Bobinski said he is always sad to see seniors graduate and move on and this 2013-14 season was no different.

“Our three seniors were a big part of our program over the last four years and it will be a challenge to replace them.  That said, I am very excited about the players we have returning for next season and we are all looking forward to seeing how much we can improve.  We have high goals for next season and are looking forward to chasing them,” Bobinski said.

“I am very excited that Jessie has the opportunity to continue her career at the Division I college level.  She will be a great asset to Loyola’s team and will have a chance to play for them immediately,” he said.