Ferris State Adds Three Prep Golfers In Fall Signing Period

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University men's and women's golf head coach Mike Mignano has announced the addition of three student-athletes who recently inked with the Bulldogs during the fall signing period.

The Bulldog women's squad has added a pair of talented newcomers in Gianna Dela Cruz (Addison, Ill./Addison Trail) and Monica Koert (Sparta/Northpointe Christian) while Jack Weller (Swartz Creek) has joined the men's program.

Dela Cruz is a three-time Illinois High School Athletic Association state qualifier at Addison Trail High School and a three-time all-conference honoree.  She was the individual medalist at the 2012 regional championships and qualified for the sectional championships four times.

"Gianna will be a fantastic addition to the Bulldog women's golf program next season," said Mignano. "She has a tremendous work ethic, as evidenced by her golf accomplishments and high GPA.  Gianna has also been a strong leader at her high school, both on and off the golf course.  We are excited to have her joining the Bulldog Family in 2014 and look for her to contribute right away."

A Michigan native, Koert claimed 2013 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Girls Golf Super Team accolades. She was also chosen as the 2013 West Michigan Golfer of the Year and is a three-time MHSAA Division 4 First Team All-State pick.

During her prep career, Koert has appeared in the MHSAA Division 4 State Championships four times and was the individual medalist while shooting a 69 on FSU's home course in the Big Rapids Invitational held at Katke Golf Course. She has twice emerged as the state individual runner-up and has three top 10 state finishes. In addition, she helped lead Northpointe Christian to three-straight top 10 team performances, including a second-place showing in 2013.

"Monica will join the Bulldog golf family as one of the most decorated recruits in program history," Mignano said. "She is highly regarded as one of the top players in Michigan and we look forward to her work ethic and leadership next year.   

"Monica has been part of a prestigious program at Northpointe Christian and has experienced great success not only on an individual level, but also being part of team that made four state finals appearances," he added. "We look forward to Monica contributing to the success of our program next season."

Finally, Weller competed at Swartz Creek High School and was the individual medalist at the district level in 2013. He placed third at the MHSAA regionals last spring and went on to an 11th-place individual finish at the state finals. He's also been a member of the Flint Junior Golf Association.

"Jack will be an outstanding addition to our men's program next season," said Mignano. "He is an extremely athletic individual who has competed at a high level through high school and junior golf tournaments.  We look forward to Jack being a strong leader and contributing to our continued success in 2014-15."   

The Bulldog men's golf team made its 11th-straight NCAA Tournament appearance last spring while the women's squad was in the national field for the 12th year in a row.