Liberty North’s Mickelson wins boys Kenneth Smith Award as top KC golfer for 2025
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- Caden Mickelson earned the 2024–25 Kenneth Smith Award for top male golfer.
- The Liberty North senior placed 5th, 1st, 2nd and 2nd at state tournaments.
- Award includes $5,000 donation to First Tee KC for youth golf development.
Caden Mickelson of Liberty North on Thursday won the Kenneth Smith Award as the top male high school golfer in the Kansas City metro for the 2024-25 school year.
The award is sponsored by the Kenneth L. and Eva S. Smith Foundation and given each year to the area’s top male and female golfers.
The female Kenneth Smith Award is presented each winter at the conclusion of the girls’ high school golf season. Claire Sullivan of Olathe Northwest won the 2024-25 girls award this past December.
Mickelson — who will next compete for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and is not related to famous pro golfer Phil Mickelson — played in nine tournaments this spring, winning five and placing second in three. He won the district tournament with a 68 and finished second at state with rounds of 66 and 69.
During his four years at Liberty North, he placed fifth, first, second and second at state. He is the first golfer in school history to earn all-state, all-district and all-conference honors all four years and holds multiple records kept by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA).
In the classroom, Mickelson earned a cumulative grade-point average of 3.85 on a 4.0 scale. He made honor roll all four years and graduated magna cum laude while also serving on the Liberty North student council for four years and in practical leadership for three.
He mentored freshman and junior high students and was responsible for assemblies, dances and other school activities. He volunteered with the Liberty Community Christian organization for seven years and was a volunteer coach and mentor for a local kids golf program for four years.
Said Liberty North golf coach Jeff Braden: “Caden always set an example for others. He has a great work ethic and always took his leadership role seriously, leading the Liberty North team to four consecutive winning seasons.”
Kenneth Smith Award nominees, submitted by golf coaches and athletics directors, were judged in four areas: performance in high school golf tournaments, academic achievement, leadership on the golf team and in other aspects of school and community service through school, church or other activities.
In recognition of the winner’s achievements, the Kenneth L. and Eva S. Smith Foundation is contributing $5,000 to First Tee of Greater Kansas City to support their cutting-edge child development programs.
This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 2:49 PM.