Michiko Smith was a standout player and team captain for the Notre Dame College of Ohio Falcons golf team.

She has the heart of a lion and the quickness and agility of a cat, but at five feet tall in a stretch, there wasn’t much of a chance for Michiko Smith in the highly competitive hoops program at Lahainaluna High School eight years ago.

So, she veered into another direction in sports that uses a smaller ball and equipment that extends her diminutive frame for leverage: golf.

She then quickly flourished in her new athletic endeavor. With the guidance of several dedicated mentors and within the burgeoning opportunities for youngsters in the family-oriented Lahaina community and at two of the world’s top golf resorts, Smith fell deeply in love with the game.

A successful career on the Lahainaluna team and developmental experience with the Lahaina Junior Golf Association mentored by Lee Munemitsu, Ben Hongo, Mike Jones, Laura Jones, Claude Brousseau and several others at the Kapalua and Kaanapali golf resorts resulted in a pathway to higher education at Notre Dame College of Ohio.

Four seemingly lightening quick college years to the present, and Smith now looks forward to graduation in a month or so with a degree in environmental science with Dean’s List honors and after a competitive collegiate golf career with the Falcons (Notre Dame College is a Division II school competing in the Mountain East Conference) that includes several individual titles, All MEC First Team recognition and leadership experience as team captain.

The fire within her still burns for the game of golf, so Smith has taken on the huge life challenge to attempt a professional career with the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association).

That giant step – maybe a bunch of little ones for this Maui girl – will start with a move to Scottsdale, Arizona, to join the Cactus Tour in preparation for Qualifying School in 2017.

“The Cactus Tour has strong competition from around the world, and I will work with swing coaches that are part of the top 100 teaching professionals in the world, practice with Talking Sticks Golf Club, Yoga for Golfers and mental coaches from Vision54. I see these contacts and experiences as building blocks that will allow me to accomplish my dream of playing on the LPGA Tour,” she said.

“I want to represent my community and all those that support me, especially my mom, Barbie Yamamoto, and my dad, Brad Bucko Smith, proudly. I see myself going far, but I do need support. I’m asking for financial assistance and equipment with possible branding. I am blessed to be from a community that has so much aloha and willingness to give. If you, your business or your organization might be willing to help, please contact me at the contacts listed below. I would be beyond grateful for any offer you can provide to help me achieve my dreams.”

Michiko can be reached by e-mail at michikonanismith@gmail.com or by phone at (808) 866-7196.