Epson Tour Member
2018
Texas Tech University
My father was the one that introduced me to the game of golf when I was six years old. From there, it became a family sport because my sister and I got into golf competitively, and my mom was the person that ran the Junior Golf League we were a part of.
Growing up, I loved every single sport. I played soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and golf. When I got into high school, I chose basketball, volleyball, and golf as my three main sports. At a point in high school, volleyball and golf became my favorite sports. Junior year I committed to Texas Tech and decided that it was in my best interest to only play golf my senior year. When I decided, I knew that golf was the one sport that I could play my whole life. Going to college, I had always dreamt of playing professionally for my career, but getting my first win in collegiate competition solidified that idea.
Golf isn't just hitting a ball around a course and trying to shoot the lowest score. It's so much more than that. It teaches you patience, controlling what you can control, discipline, dedication, courage. Most importantly, it tests the limits within yourself. Golf's purpose to me is becoming more than just a great golfer. It is to become a better woman on and off the course and a mentor for young kids.
Using my platform as the first Native American professional golfer can be very eye-opening to the younger generations. I want to be that mentor or inspirational figure to those kids that want to follow in my footsteps. My hope is that when women and girls see someone that reminds them of themselves, achieving goals and testing limits, they’ll be inspired to do what I do.
Growing up in a broken home is always hard, but don’t let it limit your success. Pushing yourself through the bad times and finding sports as an outlet will only make you stronger. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Accept your downfalls and failures. Embrace being different and accept those challenges that you face with heart and determination. The only person stopping you from becoming the best version of yourself is “you.”
Notah Begay, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods. (On the bag, my husband Jared)
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