On Wednesday, St. Mary Sr. Ellie Roof signed on to continue her outstanding golf career at Center College, along with her parents Nicky and Kenny and brother Jack. She has been a Viking One Woman her show since her former and her future teammate Margaret Her Butts at her college graduated from St Her Mary.
“Today is a day I’ve been thinking about for a long time. When I was 12, I wanted to play golf in college. Achieving this was not easy and would not have been possible without the people in my life. I guess,” Ruf said.
“But first I want to thank my parents. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to play tournaments every weekend all summer. I know you paid for it.”
Roof was surrounded by friends, family, former classmates, former St. Mary’s men’s golf coach Kurt Averill, media and teammates including his brother Jack Roof, Rocco Zactney, Cade Fleming and Butts.
“Ellie is more than just an accomplished athlete. First and foremost, this young woman is a Christian and her GPA is outstanding,” said Doug Shelton, principal of St. Mary’s High School.
“She is a class officer, a part-time soccer player and this season a full-time basketball player. She is active in community service and participates in nearly every club we offer. I am the daughter of proud parents.”
Throughout her high school career, Roof continued to shine on the golf course as a dynamite piece for women’s golf in the First Region and Western Kentucky. She headed to Danville to continue her college-level career and has left a lasting impression on her community of golfers across Paducah.
“She happened to be a good golfer and won numerous awards along the way,” Shelton said. “Ellie has taken advantage of all the opportunities available[at St. Mary of Hers]both academically and athletically, which means she is ready to graduate from St. Mary.
Roof was named a Center College Fellow in March of this year. Additionally, as a fellow, students like Roof receive a minimum $26,000 annual scholarship for his four years, and are being considered for higher scholarships by the university.
“I want to thank Director Wood for giving me this opportunity. I am grateful to be part of your program,” said Roof. “From the moment I stepped onto campus, I knew I wanted her to spend the next four years here. Thank you (Butts).”