ORLANDO, Fla. — University of Michigan All-American men’s golfer Kyle Mueller was named the recipient of the 2017 David Toms Overcoming Adversity Award on Sunday (Feb. 11). Presented by the American Junior Golf Association and in conjunction with the Golf Coaches Association of America, Mueller was honored live on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive.
In its ninth year of existence, the David Toms Overcoming Adversity Award is presented each year to the men’s collegiate golfer who has overcome adversity to achieve excellence in the college game. Mueller is the first Wolverine to be presented the annual award.
Mueller’s mother, Monica, was tragically killed in a single-car accident in the summer of 2016 while traveling to watch him in an amateur golf tournament. A veterinarian, Monica founded Good Hands Veterinarian Hospital in 2001.
The loss of his mother helped Muller to realize how individual actions can have positive impacts on the lives of others. He uses an acronym continually repeated by Monica: PACE — Positive Attitude Changes Everything.
“Since my mother’s passing I have become more cognizant of how my attitude and actions can influence someone’s life,” said Mueller. “While I always knew she was a wonderful mom and person, it was not until the weeks and months after her passing that I truly understood the type of positive impact she had on others.
“Thinking of my mother’s impression on those around her and her favorite acronym, PACE, continually motivates me to become the best version of myself in all aspects of my life. I am very honored to be this year’s recipient and hope that my story can positively impact others who may be dealing with a similar situation, much like my mother would have done.”
Mueller continues a well-established tradition dating back to the selection of Georgia College’s Billy Shida as the inaugural winner in 2009. Other recipients include Malone University’s Justin Lower in 2010, Central Florida’s Brad Schnieder in 2011, Robert Morris’ Ryan Prokay in 2012, Florida’s Eric Banks in 2013, Flagler College’s Spencer Schindler in 2014, Mount St. Joseph’s Ryan Korengel in 2015 and LSU’s Brandon Pierce in 2016.
The GCAA’s official announcement recounts how Mueller has overcome the loss of his mother to become one of the nation’s elite college golfers and enjoy an All-American career at Michigan.
