For senior Grace Hoffman, golf has been a part of her life since she was 3 years old.

Once she joined the high school golf team, Hoffman began playing the sport more competitively.

“I started playing occasionally when I was 3, but did no take it seriously until I was in high school.”

And now that she is graduating, Hoffman isn’t quite ready to let golf leave her life yet.

“I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed competitive golf until it was almost over,” Hoffman said. “I wasn’t ready to give it up.”

Hoffman signed a National Letter of Intent on Feb. 14, committing herself  to Albion’s golf program.

But since Albion is a Division III college, there isn’t scholarship money in athletics being offered since it is not allowed by the NCAA.

Albion, a private liberal arts college of about 1,400 students situated between Battle Creek and Jackson, was the first serious offer from a college Hoffman received.

Senior Maikayla Josling attending Hoffman’s signing and is proud of her.

“I’m very proud of her for doing what she loves,” Josling said. “I know a big part of her decision for going to Albion was because of their golf team, and I’m very proud of her for following her dreams.”

Senior Brendan White also attended the signing.

“I’m real proud of her for getting to do something like that,” White said. “I’m glad I got to go see her make her decision and finally put it on paper.”