Valparaiso University women’s golf coach Mike Higdon has announced the first three members of the 2009-2010 squad, the inaugural season for the Crusaders.  Kate Cooper and Annie Nolan have both signed National Letters of Intent and will enter as freshmen in the fall while Kadie Savoree is a current Valpo student who will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Cooper is a two-time First Team All-Northwest Crossroads Conference selection for Hobart High School as well as a two-time Second Team All-Area selection by the Post-Tribune.  The Hobart, Ind. native qualified for regionals as both a junior and senior, missing the state championships by just one stroke as a senior.  As a sophomore, Cooper was the Lake Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player and tournament medalist.  Cooper was also a three-time team captain for the Brickies.

“Kate has only been playing competitive golf for four years,” Higdon said.  “I don’t think she has reached her potential yet and has lots of upside for us.”

Nolan helped lead Valparaiso High School to fourth and sixth place finishes while playing for the Vikings.  An All-Duneland Athletic Conference selection, the Valparaiso, Ind. native also earned All-Area Team honors from the Post-Tribune.  She was the 2009 sectional medalist and Most Valuable Player for Valparaiso as well as a team captain.  In 2009, she was also named a First Tee Scholar. 

“Annie has battled injuries throughout high school but is now coming off of surgery and is pain free,” said Higdon.  “She is excited about playing for us and being in good health and we are excited to have her.”

Savoree is a 2006 graduate of Paris High School where she led the team to their first ever sectional during her senior year.  The Paris, Ill. native holds the nine-hole school record and finished third at the 2005 Olney Invitational.  She was the team’s Most Valuable Player as a senior as well as a two-time team captain.

“Kadie is going to be a great addition to the team and help lead us being the only upperclassman currently on the team,” said Higdon.  “I know she is eager to get the season started and has been lobbying for the addition of the women’s golf program since the day she stepped onto campus.”