
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, November 18, 1993                   TAG: 9311180154
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SHIRLEY DECIDES TO TEE OFF AT UNC

Lee Shirley, the most talented young female golfer to come out of Roanoke since Liz Waynick in the late 1970s, has signed a letter-of-intent with the University of North Carolina.

Shirley, 17, accepted a scholarship offer from UNC coach Sally Austin during a visit to the Chapel Hill campus earlier this month.

"It's definitely a dream come true," Shirley said. "It's exactly what I wanted. I was really impressed with the campus, Sally Austin and the players. Now it's up to me to down there and perform, plus keep my academics up."

Shirley, a three-time Virginia State Girls Junior champion (1990-92) and winner of the 1992 Scott Robertson Memorial title, said she was contacted by approximately 20 schools, including Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Tulane and Stetson.

"I would have preferred to have stayed in-state, but Virginia Tech and Virginia don't have girls' golf teams," Shirley said.

Shirley, who posted top-20 finishes this summer in three national tournaments, said the prospect of playing immediately at UNC also figured in her decision.

"They lost four seniors who played No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4," Shirley said. "They need somebody who can start as a freshman. I'm hoping I can go in and contribute right away."

by CNB