BOZEMAN — On Friday, State AA golf champion Sami Yates of Bozeman made her commitment to play NCAA Division I golf.
“I set a goal for myself pretty early to play at the Division I level and I’m really excited,” said Yates.
The senior committed to Seattle University.
“It means a lot, especially with all the hard work I've put into it," Yates said. "Now I just get to go compete with a bunch of really good players, and it’s an honor to play with a bunch of great players. I know I’m going to appreciate the opportunity and grow as a player.”
Playing for Seattle University head coach Marc Chandonnet felt like the best fit.
“Coach Mark, he seems like a great coach and I think he’s perfect for me," said Yates. "He’ll allow me to get better along with the other girls coming in, they’re super competitive, super fun and I’m really excited because I know they’ll make me better.”
Yates has been coached by her parent Mike Johnson, who has trained many golfers and was a golfer himself.
“I’m very proud of her because she has worked incredibly hard," he said. "I haven't seen anybody work as hard as she has to accomplish what she has. It’s very cool.”
As for her Bozeman career, Yates is still proud of her achievements.
“I don’t think I could leave in a better way," she said. "I’m just really proud of my team and to be a state champ as a team and as an individual, it’s all I’ve been looking forward to my high school career.”
