Gazette MVP: Isabella Goyette becomes one of the all-time greats

Highland senior Isabella Goyette closed her stellar high school girls golf career with the greatest statistical season in Medina County history. Goyette broke Jessica Porvasnik's scoring average record with a 35.36, beating the previous mark by one-quarter of a stroke. She helped the Hornets to reset the county record by one stroke at the first Suburban League Tournament, when her 4-under-par 67 spearheaded the team's 2-under 282 at Old Avalon Golf Club. That was only the beginning of what made Goyette, who finished the season a county-record 16 under after competing in 22 18-hole rounds, an easy choice to join Porvasnik as the only four-time Gazette MVPs. "She really wanted to put her best out there every time she stepped on the course," coach Mary Becker said. "Whatever came at her that day, she had a calm, resolved presence on the course. Her demeanor never really rattled. She could shake off mistakes and pull amazing shots out when she needed them." Goyette's seven rounds in the 60s matched her record-setting number from last season and gave her an incredible 18 rounds under 70 for her career. She also shot 21 of the 27 lowest 18-hole rounds in the county this fall. Maybe even more remarkable was the fact that her worst round, a 5-over 76 in an 18-hole dual against Nordonia at Brookledge Golf Club, was a score only teammates Paige McKendry and Elizabeth Coleman beat. Goyette owns three of the four lowest nine-hole averages and four of the best eight in school history to give her a county-record 36.1 for her career. "(The records) truly mean a lot to me," Goyette said. "I never in a million years thought I'd be able to do that, especially with people like Jessica Porvasnik before me. She's amazing, and just to be up there with people like her is just an honor." Possibly more amazing than Goyette's acumen was that her skills on the course were rarely what people first mentioned about the future Kent State University golfer, who tied for second at the Division I state tournament this season. Take Magnificat senior and Indiana commit Cara Heisterkamp, who was likely the opponent Goyette was in the same grouping the most times during her career. "She is one of the nicest people you could ever meet," Heisterkamp said. "No matter what's going on with her or her round, she's always the first one there with a fist bump or congratulations after you make a putt or a great shot. She's also the first one to encourage you if things aren't going great." Goyette's quiet and abundantly friendly demeanor had opponents, coaches and even opposing parents congratulating her on a second first-team All-Ohio honor. "The amount of respect that other kids and coaches have for her stands out," Becker said. "She's well-liked by kids, coaches and even parents of opponents. She's a wonderful person first and an amazing golfer second." Goyette's genuine compassion for others and the program helped the Hornets win four consecutive SL American Conference and Fox Den Sectional titles and earn four straight state berths, where the Hornets finished fourth twice and fifth twice. This year, Goyette shot an even-par 70 in the first round and followed with a 73, marking her best state score with a 143. "I hope that I've made some sort of small impact on the program," Goyette said. "I hope that all of us on the team inspired future generations to get into golf, because it's a really great game. I hope we inspire teams at other schools as well with our story." Goyette said it can be hard to believe all that she has accomplished over her career since starting as a freshman who averaged a still-outstanding 37.6. "I would have probably been amazed, honestly," Goyette said. "My freshman self, probably, would have thought that's where I'm going to stay skill level. I didn't think I could really get better, but I wound up proving myself wrong." Goyette is unsure if she wants to follow in Porvasnik's shoes and play professionally, noting that she first wants to see how her collegiate career goes. Regardless, she knows the game will be a part of her life for a long time. The way Goyette reached this level was no secret, becoming a dedicated worker on the course. Putting in the time was key, but she pointed out that learning how to practice in the most efficient way possible was critical, as well as continuing to seek out better competition over the summer. "For the past four years, each year I worked to learn how to concentrate my practice instead of just practicing," Goyette said. "Especially over the summer, I tried putting myself in more difficult tournaments to gain exposure to tougher circumstances. "That motivated me to work to improve myself and find more dedicated practice time to improve a skill rather than just practicing." The ever-humble and reflective Goyette was quick to credit her teammates and coaches for making her career the experience that it was. "It's such an honor and a blessing to have been a part of such a great experience and team environment," Goyette said. "I'm happy to have been able to show Highland pride and spend (my career) with all the people I really care about, like my teammates, my coaches. I really think that golf has helped me grow a lot." Contact John Urchek at jurchek@medina-gazette.com.