NorthWood senior golfer Breanna Goss, shown here with NorthWood golf head coach Adam Yoder at the NorthWood Invite in August, announced she will continue her golf and academic career at Indiana Wesleyan University. InkFreeNews file photo by Mike Deak

By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews

NAPPANEE – Confidence is an incredible element for an athlete with a vision. The belief in her abilities allowed NorthWood senior Breanna Goss to often play golf at a level even she felt sometimes was a little over her head. But that belief in her ability, and then the ability to play the game of golf at a high level afforded the Panther to continue her game at the next level.

Goss announced she will continue her golf and academic careers next fall with Indiana Wesleyan University. After completing a career loaded with accomplishments and accolades, Goss is just happy to be playing the game she loves.

“I just loved everything there, from their practice facility and the campus. It just felt like a really good fit,” stated Goss just ahead of the IHSAA State Finals earlier this month.

Goss left her mark on the ultra-successful NorthWood girls golf program. Nearly everything was a multiple for Goss, showing her consistency and an ability to grow as a player. She was a three-time All-Northern Lakes Conference First Team performer, two-time sectional runner-up – both to her own teammate, Cybil Stillson – a three-time regional participant and four-time IHSAA state finalist for a NorthWood team that went to the finals all four years of her career. She also was a 2020 IHSGCA All-State selection.

As a senior, Goss averaged a 41 on nine holes and 84 in 18-hole rounds. Leaving the program, Goss holds the team record for putts in a nine-hole round (11, at South Shore), putts in an 18-hole round (22, at Palmira) and was a perfect 14-for-14 in fairways hit for an 18-hole round at the Trophy Club.

“We are very excited for and proud of Breanna,” said 2021 NorthWood girls golf head coach Adam Yoder. “She has been one of the hardest workers and best players in our program’s history. Indiana Wesleyan is a great fit for her and the Wildcats.”

Goss, one of the more quiet stars you’ll find on the course, will join an IWU squad that will say goodbye to three seniors from a roster of just eight. One of those returning is former NLC competitor Braedyn O’Dell, a Northridge alum. The chance to potentially walk right in and impact the program is appealing to Goss.

“You can’t really expect to come in and expect things, but you have to be prepared in case they want you to play right away,” Goss said. “I’ll be practicing a lot between now and then to make sure I’m ready. I want to be playing my best golf when I get there.”

Goss looks to study sports management at IWU when not on the course.

“I feel really good about the things I’ve done here at NorthWood and what the team was able to accomplish,” Goss said, standing just yards from her senior banner overviewing the turn at McCormick Creek Golf Club. “It’s been a lot of fun golfing with my teammates and playing some of the best players in the state. I don’t think I could have asked for more from this experience.”