Michael-Tyler (MT) Polca '25 Recruiting Profile

I am a Senior at Saint Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio just outside of Cleveland. I’ve been on the Varsity golf team all four years and was named Captain this year. One of the things I enjoy most in this leadership role is mentoring our underclassmen who round out our top five varsity players. Watching them learn and grow in the sport is exciting to me.  

The first time I picked up a golf club was around the age of two and ever since then I have played the sport. My parents have influenced me the most with all the support and personal sacrifices that they have given to allow me to pursue my goal of playing at the collegiate level. 

I have received a lot of inspiration from my Grandparents because they both love the game of golf. They have been there for me my whole life and golf career. Through playing with them and tournaments, I have become mentally tough on and off the course. 

There are a few obstacles that I have had to overcome to become the person that I am on and off the course. When I was 11 months old, I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.  Between 2007 and 2009 I had three surgeries and casts, I learned to walk while in a full cast from my hip to my toes. I am happy to say because my parents caught it early and got me treatment, I’ve been able to have a healthy and strong hip throughout my golf career and there are no residual issues with my hip.  This adversity in my young age taught me that I could achieve anything if I put my mind to it.

In high school, I have achieved high academic honors in my first three years. I am looking to continue my academic excellence in my Senior year with my course work consisting of a combination of Advanced Placement and IB (International Baccalaureate) classes. I am very interested in pursuing an Engineering degree with a focus on either Computer Science or Civil.  I am looking for a college and team, where my golf skills and leadership characteristics would be fully utilized.