SMCS Student-Athlete Prepares to Head South
St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) Grade 12 student Luke Olynick has committed to continue his academic and athletic journey at the University of Hartford this fall, where he will join the men’s golf programme and pursue a degree in business management at The Barney School of Business.
“The University of Hartford was a fit for me both academically and athletically,” says Olynick. “The golf team has had an incredible year competing in the NCAA, and I felt the school itself offered a strong business programme where I could further my education. I had lunch with the guys on the team, and they were all amazing to me and made me feel very welcome. I also really enjoyed learning about the school itself and what it has to offer!”
Olynick picked up the sport of golf at age seven and started playing competitively at 11 while honing his skills at his home course, St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto. In 2024, he was named SMCS Junior Golf MVP and St. George’s Junior Golfer of the Year.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Hartford Hawks golf programme, and I already know it’s a great place to grow as a player and a person,” adds Olynick. “They had some great success last year, including winning the Conference of New England Championship and finishing first in the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association Championship. I also like that the schedule includes playing a variety of courses in different states, which will be a great experience to travel and continue to do what I love—play competitive golf.”
During his four years on the SMCS golf team, Olynick has experienced tremendous growth, both on and off the course.
“Luke has been a steady presence on the Blue Eagles Golf Team and has been an integral part of three consecutive CISAA championships and an OFSAA title in 2024,” says Nunzio Corrente, teacher and golf team coach alongside Paul Ruta and Mike Ross ’85. “With a remarkable skill set and a competitive spirit, Luke’s game is built to take on the challenges of collegiate golf, and we can’t wait to see how he shines on the course. The coaching staff is excited and proud of Luke and looks forward to seeing him play at the collegiate level.”
In addition, his academic progress has blossomed alongside his golf career, earning honour roll status in Grade 11 and well on his way to repeating it in his graduating year.
“SMCS prepared me really well to succeed as a student-athlete by teaching me how to balance academics and athletics at a high level,” says Olynick. “The school emphasizes strong time-management skills, which helped me stay organized while juggling classes, practices, and competitions. Teachers were supportive and held me to high standards, which pushed me to work hard and stay accountable.”
On the course, Olynick represented SMCS golf teams that captured CISAA championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as an OFSAA gold in 2024.
“I have really enjoyed playing for the SMCS Blue Eagles, where I’ve improved my competitive golf skills and gained more confidence on the course. The coaches have given us so many amazing opportunities to compete. They always push us to do our best while still making the experience fun. I am very grateful for all the time, support, and guidance the coaches have given me. Because of them, I have grown not only as a golfer but also as a person.”
Related links: