By: J. Daniel Pearson, Positively Osceola
St. Cloud standout golfer Karolyna Adams will continue her playing career at the next level. The senior made it official Saturday morning, signing her scholarship papers before teammates, family, and friends in a ceremony at Royal St. Cloud Golf Club.
Adams, a four-time All-Orange Belt Conference selection, will play her college golf at Tiffin University in Ohio, a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Tiffin—a private institution currently ranked fourth in the East Region in the latest NCAA Division II national rankings—proved to be the perfect fit.
“We are thrilled to have Karolyna join our Dragon family,” Tiffin Coach Dawn West said. “She brings great enthusiasm not only for the game of golf, but for our women’s golf program. We look for Karolyna to come in and compete right away for one of our top five spots.”
With several opportunities in front of her, Adams said her decision came down to academics, environment, and connection. “It’s a small school and small campus, which really appealed to me. I didn’t want to go to a huge school where it would be easy to get lost in the shuffle,” she said. “It’s also a school with high academic standards. They offered a sports psychology program, and that’s exactly what I want to major in.”
She added that the team and coaching staff made Tiffin feel like home. “The girls on the team are a close-knit group, and the whole program felt like a family. In many ways, it’s very similar to what I experienced here at St. Cloud.”
A Scholar–Athlete on a Remarkable Rise
Ranked in the top 20% of her class, Adams maintains a 3.65 unweighted GPA (3.76 weighted) while taking an advanced academic load. She is also a National Honor Society member, reflecting the same discipline in the classroom that she brings to the course.
Her athletic résumé is one of the strongest in Osceola County in recent years. During her career at St. Cloud, Adams won two OBC individual championships (2022, 2024) and played a major role in qualifying the Bulldogs for four consecutive FHSAA State Championship appearances. She placed in the top 10 of every District Tournament throughout her high school career and earned four top-20 Regional finishes, including top-10s in both 2023 and 2024.
At the state level, she helped guide St. Cloud to four straight Top 10 team finishes.
With Adams in the lineup, St. Cloud also captured four consecutive Bulldog Invitationals, a district (2023) and regional title (2023), and set a new Osceola County team scoring record of 296 (+8) in 2025. Off the high school circuit, she added championships on the junior tour, including the 2024 Peggy Kirk Bell Central Florida Prep Series title and an impressive four U.S. Kids Local Tour championships.
Beyond her victories, Adams’ consistency stands out. Over six years of recorded competitive play, she posted cumulative averages of 39.58 (9-hole scoring) and 79.95 (18-hole scoring)—a profile that mirrors the steady, disciplined style she is known for.
A Journey Rooted in Home—and Ready for What’s Next
Adams’ story is also a personal one. She grew up on the fairways of Royal St. Cloud Golf Club, learning the game there beginning at age five. Her journey from young junior golfer to collegiate signee is a testament to hard work, family support, and a community that believed in her.
She says the relationships built along the way will stay with her. “The experience has been fantastic. I grew up on this course, playing here since I was five,” she said. “The support I have received at both the school and course has been incredible.”
As she prepares to continue both her academic and athletic careers at Tiffin University, Adams carries with her a legacy of excellence—as a scholar, as a competitor, and as an example of what dedication looks like both inside and outside the classroom.
Her next chapter begins in Ohio, but her story remains firmly rooted in St. Cloud, where she became one of the most accomplished golfers in school and county history.
Congratulations, Karolyna! Your hard work, dedication, and incredible journey as both a student and an athlete have inspired so many in our community. We’re proud of everything you’ve accomplished at St. Cloud High School, and we can’t wait to see you continue to shine at Tiffin University. Best of luck, and keep making Osceola County proud! — Positively Osceola
