Born in Massachusetts, she spent her youth in Texas and her elementary-school days in Indiana before moving to Upper St. Clair the summer before she started her freshman year at Seton-La Salle High School, a private, parochial institution in nearby Mt. Lebanon.

Four years hence, for many of the same reasons, Nickerson has decided to relocate to Erie and settle in at Gannon University to study physical therapy and play golf.

"Gannon offered what I wanted. Physical therapy and the opportunity to play golf," said Nickerson. "I liked the size of the school. I got a sense of community and I felt that I would not get lost in the crowd."

Since the golf season begins before the official start of classes, Nickerson became acquainted with personnel at SLS. "Thanks to golf, I was able to meet new people before school started and I was able to recognize people in the hallways."

After four successful seasons, Nickerson is recognized as the first female to compete at the state level for Seton-La Salle in the past 20 years.

Nickerson finished tied for first at the sectional tournament. She qualified for the PIAA championships after finishing 14th in the WPIAL. At the state finals, Nickerson finished 23rd overall with an 82-89--171 score.

"I had a bad day. I shot a 49 on the front nine but I came back," Nickerson said proudly of the two-day tournament. "I just calmed myself down. I told myself to relax and to have fun with the game. I think that has been the reason for my success."

Practice and a doting father have also contributed to Nickerson's career, a career that has featured five, first-place finishes in King's/TSPGA tournaments, Top 10 finishes in all such competitions and a 42 average for nine holes as a senior.

Nickerson started golfing in the backyard at age 7. She played on a course for the first time when she was in sixth grade. Today, she trains at Rolling Hills Country Club, where the family maintains a membership.

"Rolling Hills helps a lot because it's an up-hill and down-hill course, very hilly," said Nickerson. "You get all different shots. Actually, in Pennsylvania, there is never a shot that you are not used to because of the hilly courses."

As accustomed as she is to moving, Nickerson has adjusted to her father's guidance. Dr. David Nickerson golfed at Holy Cross. He also coached a high school team in Texas, where he met his wife, Diane, who is a nurse at St. Clair Hospital.

"My dad has been the biggest influence on me," Nickerson said. "Dad has been all over. He likes to try new things and he's a very good golfer.

Nickerson's own game has transformed the program at SLS into a good one. After two unsuccessful seasons, the Lady Rebels posted on of their best records ever. SLS finished 8-4 overall.

"That has been the highlight of my career at Seton. Golf-wise, it was the whole season," Nickerson said. "I was so proud and happy for my team."

Off the golf course, there have been many other proud moments for Nickerson. The two-year team captain also has excelled in the classroom. She maintains a 4.29 QPA and belongs to the National Honor Society. Nickerson coordinated an after-school tutoring program for students needing help. Additionally, she has participated in the Westinghouse Science Institute as well as Rebels For Life.

"Kelly is a self-motivated student not to mention athlete," said her coach Tim Zugates.

Not just a golfer, an athlete indeed is Nickerson. She played basketball as a freshman. She bowled as a sophomore.

"I loved basketball. I played the sport since I was in second grade," Nickerson said. "The bowling was random. Other people were doing it and it seemed like fun. But I did not love either of them as much as I enjoyed golf."

For Nickerson, golf transcends much.

"Golf keeps me humble as a person," she said. "You can mess up all day and have that one great shot on the golf course and it makes the whole day that much better."

Better days are ahead for Nickerson as well as the Rebels. In college, Nickerson hopes to start as a freshman and eventually qualify for the NCAA championships.

"I hope to do my best and climb my way to the top," she said. "I'd love to do that (qualify for NCAAs) but I'm not going to make golf a career. I don't want it to become a job and ruin my love of the game.

"I'm real honored to be able to play in college. It's a big deal for here because everybody thinks of Seton as a big football school. No one has gone farther in golf."

For the well-traveled Nickerson, that comes as no surprise.