Age: 16
School: Venice High School
Sport: Golf
Team: VHS Girls' Golf Team

How long have you participated in this sport/activity?
I've been playing golf since I was 4 years old - 12 years.

What do you like most about the sport/activity?
I love that golf is an independent sport and I have no one to rely on but myself. I also love that golf has given me many opportunities to travel.

Who is your favorite teacher/coach/mentor’s name?
I have had many great golf mentors, including Chris Adams (Jacaranda), Patrick Gocklin (Golf 360), and Mike Adams (hall of fame golf coach at Medalist). My parents have also been incredibly supportive of my sport.

Who are your sporting heroes?
I admire Lexi Thompson because she inspired me to pursue golf as a female.

Have you met anyone famous in this sport/activity?
I've been coached by hall-of-fame golf coach, Mike Adams, and senior LPGA member Laura Shanahan-Rowe. I've been lucky enough to play with Kristen Gillman and Haley Moore of the LPGA.

Have you traveled anywhere related to this sport/activity?
I've traveled across the United States, as well as to Scotland, to compete.

What events have you participated in?
I've competed in three US Kids Golf World Championships, as well as the European Championship. Other events include the Carolina Invitational, AJGA York Invitational, as well as many tournaments with Florida Junior Tour, Hurricane Tour, IMG, Junior PGA, and many more.

What awards/honors have you achieved? Tell us some highlights of your experience so far in your sport/activity.
Sun Preps All-Area Golfer of the Year 2022
VHS Golf Team MVP 2021, 2022
Crutchfield-Hawkins Invitational low medalist
IMG Junior Golf Tour Champion
TPC Tampa Bay Hurricane Tour Champion
New England Invitational runner up
Carolina Invitational Champion
Boston Local Tour champion
Portland Local Tour Champion

Is there something that makes you unique in this activity (a specific strength or quality you
bring)?
My coaches tell me that I have a lot of natural talent for golf, but my dedication to working on my game is what makes me successful.

What have you learned from participating in this sport/activity?
It takes a lot of time and effort to achieve your goals. You have to persevere, even when it's hard. As a student-athlete, I've also learned time management and how to balance my commitments.

What is your favorite sporting moment?
My favorite moment is the feeling of winning and knowing that my hard work paid off.

Do you plan on continuing your sport after graduating HS/College?
I plan to focus on a career in Architecture but will continue to play golf as a hobby and coach junior golfers.

How do you keep a balance between sports, school, and other activities in your life?
It can be a lot to juggle, but I try to use my time wisely. If I know I have a busy week of tournaments, I try to get schoolwork done in advance. During the off season, I dedicate time to my friends and family.

Do you have any tips for someone looking to get into this sport/activity?
If you truly want to accomplish something in this sport, you have to put in the right amount of effort but have fun at the same time. If you're a junior golfer looking to try something new, there are a lot of great junior programs, like the Venice Golf Academy, where I coach.