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Alana Sims

1x

Finalist

Bio

Golf has and continues to shape every aspect of my life. It's been a part of me since the age of seven. Gradually becoming a vessel through which I learned discipline, integrity, leadership, and drive. Teaching me how to hold my own when no one else is around, trust in preparation, and lead with not only absolute integrity but also intention. Sports has a way of teaching us qualities that shape who we are and life lessons that have the potential to mold our whole being. I will be attending Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where I'll be playing collegiate golf while majoring in Neuroscience. My interest in this major stems from my fascination with the mind, specifically how people think and operate. Language is at the base of all the essential skills in leadership, education, and healthcare. Studying neuroscience in depth will strengthen my ability to communicate, listen attentively, and engage well with others. After obtaining my degree, I plan to attend Dental school and specialize in endodontics where I look forward to improving people's quality of life. Just as in golf, success in dentistry requires steady hands, mental discipline, and trust in the process, even under pressure.

Education

Img Academy

High School
2025 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Dentistry

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Golf

      Varsity
      2014 – Present12 years

      Arts

      • School Orchestra

        Music
        2020 – 2024
      • Art School

        Ceramics
        2019 – Present

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        Black Student Union — President
        2025 – Present

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      Entrepreneurship

      Hulede Collegiate Golf Scholarship
      1. Outside of golf and academics, how do you invest your time? Outside of golf and academics, I invest my time in leadership, mentorship, and the arts. Art has been a steady outlet for me since childhood. I began drawing and painting in community classes and later expanded into ceramics, which remains my favorite medium. I have created pieces such as vases and urns for my family and enjoy helping newer ceramists improve their skills. Creativity also shows up in my nail art, which began as a hobby and grew into paid work. I also continue playing French horn independently to maintain discipline and focus. Beyond the arts, I dedicate time to service and leadership. I am a junior coach with First Tee–Metro Atlanta, where I teach younger golfers both fundamentals and life skills such as confidence and perseverance. I also serve as President of the Black Student Union at IMG Academy, where I helped grow membership from 7 to over 40 students by building inclusion and community events. Across all activities, I try to use my time intentionally to grow and help others grow with me. I have learned that showing up consistently matters just as much as leading events or coaching sessions. These experiences have helped shape my confidence, communication skills, and ability to adapt in different environments while staying grounded in my values. I also value the importance of staying humble and focused regardless of success or challenge, which continues to guide my daily actions and decisions both on and off the course. 2. What are you currently studying in college or planning to study in college, and why? I will attend Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee as a NCAA D3 Women's golf commit, majoring in neuroscience on the Pre-Dental track. My goal is to become an endodontist and eventually own my own dental practice. I am drawn to neuroscience because I am interested in how the brain influences behavior and communication. I want to better understand how people think so I can connect with and serve them effectively. Dentistry appeals to me because it blends science with precision and creativity. I enjoy hands-on work through ceramics and nail artistry, and dentistry reflects that same patience and attention to detail. I also want to use my career to serve underserved communities with limited access to care. Golf has taught me discipline, patience, and consistency, all of which will support me in this academic and professional path. I have also developed strong discipline through balancing academics, athletics, and personal responsibilities, which has prepared me for the demands of college life. I continue to push myself to improve every day while staying committed to my long-term goals and maintaining strong time management skills both in school and in competition while keeping perspective and balance in my life. 3. How do you currently give back or plan to give back during college and beyond? Giving back is central to who I am. Through First Tee–Metro Atlanta, I serve as a junior coach, mentoring young golfers and reinforcing values like integrity and perseverance. Moving forward, I plan to continue mentoring youth and expand into healthcare outreach as a future dentist serving underserved communities. I also believe that leadership is about service not position and I strive to lead in a way that reflects respect empathy and accountability in everything I do. These lessons continue to shape how I interact with others and motivate me to be a positive influence in every space I enter whether in sport academics or community service I hope to carry this mindset forward throughout college and beyond always. 4. The HCGS supports collegiate golfers through financial assistance and intentional mentorship. How would receiving this scholarship impact your collegiate experience? The HCGS scholarship would significantly impact my academic, athletic, and personal journey. It would reduce financial pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on neuroscience studies and Pre-Dental preparation while competing in collegiate golf. Academically, it would give me more time for coursework and professional development. Athletically, it would allow me to compete with full commitment and focus. The mentorship aspect is especially meaningful because guidance has played a major role in my growth, and I value learning from those who understand collegiate golf and life balance. Personally, this scholarship would motivate me to continue leading, giving back, and striving for excellence while using my opportunities to uplift others. I am also especially excited about the opportunity to learn from mentors who understand the balance between academics athletics and personal growth. Their guidance would help me navigate challenges with confidence and maturity and to make more informed decisions about my future both on and off the course. I would value being part of a community that invests in student athletes. 5. Describe a moment of adversity or uncertainty on or off the course. How did you respond and what did it teach you? One defining moment of adversity occurred during a golf tournament when I accidentally whiffed a shot from the bushes. No one saw the mistake, and I had to decide whether to continue or hold myself accountable. I chose to call a penalty on myself. Although it cost me strokes, I knew it reflected who I am. That moment taught me that integrity is strongest when no one is watching. Since then, I have carried that lesson into academics, leadership, and relationships. It shaped how I define success not only by results but by honesty accountability and consistency in character. I often reflect on that moment because it continues to remind me that integrity is a daily choice not a one time decision It has influenced how I approach pressure in both golf and life helping me stay composed and confident in my values even in difficult situations on and off the course.