Sweet deal for Iowa State-bound Horan

To celebrate her daughter's signing with Iowa State, the mother of Lakes golfer Abbie Horan bought a large cake frosted in the university's colors of cardinal and gold.

Lakes celebrated the written college commitments of both Horan and fellow Division-I recruit D.J. Snelten (baseball scholarship to Minnesota) at the Lake Villa high school Tuesday morning.

Both seniors are expected to officially sign their letters of intent today.

Talk about icing on the cake for Horan.

The Lakes golfer capped a sweet varsity career last month by finishing fourth in the Class 2A state meet for the second year in a row. She fired 75-74-149 at Hickory Ridge Public Golf Course in Carbondale.

"Even though I couldn't win state, I'm really happy with how this year finished," said a smiling Horan, wearing an Iowa State T-shirt.

She becomes the first golfer in Lakes' five-year history to sign with a Division I school, and it's a recognition that she appreciates.

"It's really cool to be the first person," Horan said. "Hopefully there will be more to come after I'm gone."

She chose Iowa State over several schools, including Wisconsin and Minnesota. At Iowa State, she'll tee it up for Cyclones head coach Christie Martens, a former Northwestern golfer, whom Horan described as "spunky" and "fun." When Horan visited the Ames campus, she got to play golf with members of the Iowa State team.

"They were so much fun," Horan said. "That whole team atmosphere was the main reason that I chose to go there."

Ames appealed to her, as well.

"I fell in love with it the minute I saw it," Horan said. "The whole campus was so pretty. It's in a small town, but it's cool how the town like revolves around the school."

Horan stands only 5 feet 4, but hits the ball 230 yards consistently off the tee and - more importantly - straight. The 2009 North Suburban Conference meet medalist also putts well.

She started playing golf when she was 5, when her dad introduced her to the game.

"I've been beating him since I was like 12," Horan said with a laugh. "He's the one who really got me started."