Kate Smith Named To 50 Most Memorable Minnesota Female Athletes List

(KDLM) – 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which requires each school in the state of Minnesota to provide equal opportunity for both boys and girls to participate in its athletic programs.

The Star Tribune recently named their list of the 50 most memorable female high school athletes in the first 50 years of Title IX, focusing on high school accomplishments.

On the list among pioneers and future Hall of Famers and Olympians is Detroit Lakes native Kate Smith.

Smith is the most decorated high school golfer in Minnesota history, winning five-straight Class AA individual championships from 2012-2016, helping lead Laker golf to four championships in those five seasons.

The only other golfer on the Star Tribune’s list is Jody Rosenthal, who won three-straight Class AA titles from 1979-1981.

“What an honor,” Smith told KDLM. “It was really cool to see that come out. It’s awesome to celebrate the women athletes in the state of Minnesota. I’m lucky to be on the list, and it’s nice to be a part of it. I have so many great memories growing up in that environment…what a great sports community to be in,”

Smith golfed collegiately for the University of Nebraska following high school and, after winning the 2021 Big Ten Individual Championship, went pro. She is currently golfing on the Epson Tour in pursuit of her LPGA tour card.

“I turned pro at the end of June 2021 so it’s coming up on a year here,” Smith said. “I made it through a lot of Q-School and that was an exciting way to start. Then I got status on the Epson Tour. I’ve made a few cuts, had a really good final round in Utah in April where I finished tied for 17th. It’s always fun to see your name move up the leaderboard on a Sunday.”

Smith will be in Detroit Lakes on June 28th to hold a golf clinic at the Lakeview Golf Course at 4:30. You can more details on the event by calling the Lakeview Club House at 218-847-8942.