Valparaiso men’s golf head coach David Gring announced today that Michael Doherty has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Crusader program as a freshman for the 2014-15 season.

“The team and I are very excited to announce the addition of Michael to our family,” said Gring.  “Michael embodies the exact type of student-athlete that comprises our team culture - an outstanding student in the classroom and exemplary performer on the golf course.  He is a winner, both on the golf course and in the classroom.  I've always been impressed with his intuition and judgment on the golf course, making good decisions as he manages his round.  He is a talented player with excellent golf acumen.  His success and abilities on the golf course have been matched in the classroom as well.”

Doherty, a native of Lisle, Ill., was named conference MVP as a senior and finished second, falling in a playoff at the league championship tournament.  He also finished tied for sixth in 2013 as a senior at the IHSA Hisndale South Regional.  A three-time All-Conference performer and two-time qualifier for the IHSA state finals, Doherty helped lead Naperville North H.S. to a runner-up finish at the state tournament in 2012.

A regular on the junior circuit as well, Doherty finished in second place at the IJGA Chick Evans Junior Amateur Championship last July, shooting a career-low round of 67 in the semifinals.  A three-time Illinois State Junior Amateur qualifier, Doherty competed in the Illinois State Amateur Championship last year at Aldeen G.C. and was one of just four junior golfers to make the cut, eventually placing 38^th in the 137-golfer field.  He has also earned a pair of top-five finishes on the Plantations Junior Golf Tour, including a win in a 2013 event at Notre Dame.

“Michael has a terrific family who provides wonderful support for all that he is aspiring to achieve,” said Gring.  “Our team is blessed to add him to the roster, and he will provide a solid impact for us next year.”

Doherty joins Zach Cutler, who signed during the early signing period, as incoming freshmen for the Crusader men’s golf program for the 2014-15 campaign.