Michigan Golf Journal June 2020

Michigan Golf Journal High School Golf said she is a huge contributor in additional ways. “Really, it’s her communication and her energy and her excitement, and what that brings to our team,” Lawton coach Megan McCorry said. “Pretty early on in the season I found myself saying to my assistant coach, ‘I don’t think we cannot have her on the court,’ because she’s just this firecracker. And she works incredibly hard to pay attention to every single detail.” High school golf coach Barry Shanley started the Lawton boys’ program in 1996. There has never been a girls’ team. “The main thing with Olivia is that she’s just so positive, not bitter in any way with what life’s dealt her,” Shanley said. “She’s right up there with the top 2 or 3 most dedicated golfers I’ve had. She could be number one, and there’s a couple boys that went on to be pros. She’s just such a student of the game. “She’s simply loved by everybody in the school; office staff, teachers, her fellow students. They love her positive spirit and coming through all she has. She’s just a spectacular kid.” Kalamazoo Hackett golf coach Jim Holton said: “Olivia is one of those golfers, who as a coach, you always want on your team. A great spirit, great attitude. Not only does she have her physical handicap to overcome, she’s on the boy’s team, but I see that she’s fit right in. The boys respect her, and she respects them.” Cramer said her love for golf has gotten even stronger this spring. She started playing several years ago along with her Uncle Ryan, her father figure. She doesn’t know her biological father. “(Uncle Ryan) was killed in a car accident so I stared pursuing golf in his legacy,” she said. “When I play the game, it reminds me of him, and I have grown to love it.” MGJ Courtesy Detroit Free Press