LCCS Student-Athlete Leah Starcher to Golf for Grace College
Victories at Lake Center Include Christian Character Development
By: Emily Chesnic, Campus Communications & Volunteer Coordinator
HARTVILLE – Lake Center Christian School (LCCS) senior and golf standout Leah Starcher will continue her academic and golf career at Grace College in Indiana.
The student-athlete earned a scholarship to take her golf skills to the collegiate level, officially signing her letter of intent to join the girls golf team at Grace. Grace College is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Starcher Sets an Example
During the fall, Starcher led her team to an LCCS girls golf best – an 8-3 overall record. The LCCS golfer also earned 1st Team All-Conference honors and advanced to the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) DII District Golf Tournament this year.
“She has been a great leader and teammate throughout her career for the Tigers. We will miss her and wish her all the best as she continues her career at Grace College,” said LCCS Girls Golf Head Coach Mr. Scott Goodspeed.
LCCS graduates Ashley Phipps (2007) and Maddie Justice (2018) also went on to play golf in college after their careers at Lake Center.
Character, Friendships Develop Through Golf
“Being part of the Lake Center Golf Program is one of the best choices I’ve made in high school,” said Starcher. “I want to especially thank my coaches who have impacted my life way beyond the golf course by teaching me how to persevere through adversity and how important it is to show the love of God in all situations.”
Starcher said she appreciates everyone who has supported her during “this incredible journey.”
“During my last three golf seasons I have made so many lifelong memories and friends,” she said. “ I would’ve never thought I would be playing at the collegiate level, and I couldn’t have done it without my family, teammates and coaches.”
I want to especially thank my coaches who have impacted my life way beyond the golf course by teaching me how to persevere through adversity and how important it is to show the love of God in all situations.”
Athletic Victories at LCCS
Lake Center Christian School’s Athletics Program is a platform used to bring glory to God, said Athletic Director Mr. Shane Byler.
As an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) accredited educational campus, LCCS views sports as a mechanism for encouraging continued spiritual growth, along with increasing physical strength, endurance and athletic skills.
Winning is not the only focus of the LCCS athletic program but victories are, said Mr. Byler. In keeping with the ACSI Sports Philosophy, an LCCS athlete is victorious when he or she displays the love of Jesus for the opposition, respect for officials and coaches, self-control in all situations, cooperation with others, best effort and encouragement.
15 Varsity Sports at Lake Center
Now in its 17th year of varsity competition, Lake Center’s Athletic Program offers 15 senior high sports at the varsity level including boys and girls soccer; boys and girls cross country; boys and girls golf; girls volleyball; boys basketball; cheerleading; girls and boys bowling; boys and girls track and field; boys baseball; and girls softball. Lake Center is a member of the OHSAA, competing in the Portage Trail Conference (PTC). Lake Center athletes are supported by the Blue & Gold Athletic Booster Club. To learn more about LCCS’s sports offerings, how to join the booster club and upcoming events, visit lakecenterchristiantigers.com.
Above: Lake Center Christian School student-athlete Leah Starcher signs her letter of intent alongside her parents, Dr. Randall and Mrs. Alicia Starcher, and (back row, left to right) Dr. Joseph Beeson, LCCS Superintendent; Mr. Shane Byler, LCCS Athletic Director; Mr. Denny Duncan, Grace College Girls Golf Coach; and Mr. Scott Goodspeed, LCCS Girls Golf Coach.
Photo provided by Shane Byler
Above: Mr. and Mrs. Cory and Christine Miller selected Lake Center Christian School as their family’s partner for Christian Education. Their son, Ender, is a kindergarten at Lake Center this year. Mr. and Mrs. Miller also are the parents of Oakely, 2, and Autumn, 6 months.
Photograph Provided by The Miller Family
