Golf has not only shaped me into a better athlete but has also taught me the most important life lessons that continue to guide me both on and off the course. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from golf is the importance of patience and resilience. Golf is a sport where every shot counts, and each round presents a unique challenge. The course, much like life, is filled with obstacles, setbacks, and unpredictable circumstances. How you respond to these challenges is what truly matters. Are you going to throw your clubs and throw a fit from a bad shot or round, or Are you going to evaluate yourself, improve yourself and get back out there? Throughout my journey in golf, I’ve faced moments of frustration and self doubt, but it is in those moments that I learned the value of perseverance. Whether it was adjusting to an unpredictable weather pattern during a tournament or overcoming the pressure of a high stakes shot, golf has taught me that success is not always immediate and it requires practice, patience, and a belief in the process. This understanding has not only made me a better golfer but has shaped my approach to every challenge in my life, from academics to personal growth. The most significant lesson golf has instilled in me is how to embrace failure and learn from it. In golf, it’s impossible to play perfectly every time, but every misstep offers an opportunity for growth. I’ve learned to stay focused and positive, even when things don’t go according to plan. This ability to bounce back from setbacks has prepared me for the challenges of life, especially as I plan to pursue a college education and navigate the future ahead. As a first generation college student, I know that the path ahead won’t always be easy, but the lessons I’ve learned from golf will be my foundation. I have learned never to give up and hard work. I have learned that even when you put in the work, it doesn't always go the way you want it to; but that doesn't mean you give up. It means that you evaluate yourself and think about ways to improve and then implement that. Then you go back out there and try again. Golf has taught me the value of working toward something greater than myself, and I plan to bring those lessons to the University of Mobile while playing collegiate golf for them. I plan on studying business and marketing in order create a high level junior local tour. Through this scholarship, I hope to honor Tom LoCasale’s legacy by continuing to help future junior golfers. My dream is to start an affordable high level junior golf tour along with Gulf Coast and make it affordable and accessible. It is tough to be able to attend tournaments that are more than two hours away which most Junior Score Board Ranked tournaments are. My goal is to give opportunities to junior golfers whose goal is to play collegiate golf.

1. While I would love to be more involved in extracurricular activities outside of golf, my schedule is extremely demanding. I’m currently a dual-enrolled student maintaining a 4.0 GPA in college-level courses, while also training and traveling regularly for golf tournaments. On top of that, I work part time at Nothing Bundt Cakes, which has taught me valuable time management, communication, and customer service skills. Even with such a full schedule, I still find ways to give back when I can. During the summer, I volunteer by mentoring younger golfers on the Kelly Gibson Junior Golf Tour. I help them navigate tournaments and the rules of play. It’s something I truly enjoy because I remember what it felt like to be a beginner, and I love being able to support and encourage the next generation of players. Although I don’t have time to participate in many traditional extracurricular activities, the combination of academics, golf, work, and mentoring has helped shape who I am. It’s taught me the value of commitment, leadership, and making time for what matters even when life gets busy. Even though I don’t have the time to participate in many traditional extracurricular activities, the experiences I gain from school, golf, and work have helped me grow in discipline, communication, and leadership. I’ve learned how to stay committed, even under pressure, and how to make the most of the time I have. These experiences are preparing me for the challenges of college and beyond, and I’m proud of the balance I’ve been able to maintain. 2. In college, I am interested in studying business and marketing. I’ve always been drawn to the creative side of business and coming up with ideas, building brands, and finding ways to connect with people. Marketing will allow me to combine strategy with creativity, and I believe it’s a skill that can be applied in so many different areas, including the world of sports. One of my biggest goals is to use what I learn in college to start a local high level junior golf tour. Right now, many of the top ranked junior tournaments are out of town and can be extremely expensive to attend due to travel, lodging, and entry fees. This creates a barrier for talented players who may not have the resources to compete at that level. I want to create a tour in southern Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast that brings those competitive opportunities closer to home making them more affordable, accessible, and inclusive for junior golfers in the region. It would not only give more players a chance to grow and get noticed but also strengthen the local golf community. Studying business and marketing will give me the tools to turn this idea into something real and impactful. 3. I plan to give back to my community both during college and after graduation by creating more opportunities for young athletes, especially in golf. My long term goal is to launch a high level junior golf tour in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast that is affordable, accessible, and Junior Golf Scoreboard ranked. Right now, many talented junior golfers have to travel out of state or more than four hours from home in order to compete in top tier events, which can be expensive and limit opportunities for families who can’t afford the costs. I want to change that by bringing competitive events closer to home and keeping them affordable, so more players can chase their goals without financial barriers holding them back. While in college, I also hope to stay involved locally by mentoring younger players, helping at junior clinics, or working with community golf programs. I want to be someone younger girls can look up to and someone who proves that hard work, perseverance, and a love for the game can take you far, no matter where you come from. Giving back through golf is important to me because it’s given me so much. I want to pass that on and help build a stronger, more inclusive golf community in southern Louisiana and beyond. 4. Being a recipient of the Hulede Collegiate Golf Scholarship would have a meaningful impact on my college experience, both financially and personally. Currently, I will be attending the University of Mobile on a partial athletic scholarship, which helps, but it doesn’t cover all of my expenses. This means I will have to take on a part time job while balancing a full course load and a demanding golf schedule along with private student loans. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my academics and performance on the golf course without the constant stress of how to make ends meet. What excites me most about this opportunity is not just the financial support, but also the mentorship that comes with it. As a student athlete, having access to mentors who understand the unique challenges of collegiate golf would be incredibly valuable. I’m always looking for ways to grow both personally and professionally, and I believe this mentorship could help guide me through college and into my future career. This scholarship would support my journey as I pursue a degree in business and marketing, and work toward my goal of launching a high level junior golf tour in Louisiana to create more affordable opportunities for young golfers like myself. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

Why does anyone deserve a scholarship or award? Scholarships recognize qualities that are challenging to cultivate: resilience, determination, and a commitment to service. They honor individuals who have worked hard to overcome obstacles, pursue personal growth, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. I believe I am a worthy candidate for the Samuel D. Hartley Memorial Scholarship because I embody these qualities, and I am committed to making a positive impact in my community and beyond. As a student-athlete, I have faced a variety of academic and personal challenges. I was diagnosed with a learning disability, which initially made schooling feel like a daunting journey. With determination and hard work, I’ve learned to navigate my academic path, maintaining strong grades and successfully enrolling in dual-credit courses. I will graduate high school with 20 college credits, which has prepared me well for the challenges of higher education. Despite my disability, I have learned to embrace academic challenges and strive for growth, proving that perseverance can lead to meaningful progress. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to advancing my athletic goals as a golfer. Committed to the University of Mobile for Fall 2025, my ultimate goal is to win the NAIA championship in my division. Golf has been transformative for me; it has introduced me to a diverse network of people and helped me develop skills such as patience, discipline, and mental resilience. I practice daily to sharpen my skills, and I am continually setting higher goals. Golf has taught me that hard work and dedication lead to success, both on and off the course. Beyond academics and athletics, I have a deep appreciation for community service. Volunteering with the Arc of Greater New Orleans, where I work with adults with disabilities, has enriched my life in ways I never expected. The experience has taught me the importance of inclusivity, compassion, and supporting individuals in reaching their potential. Seeing the joy and fulfillment in those I work with has inspired me to continue giving back, and I plan to incorporate community service into my future as much as possible. I am a strong candidate for the Samuel D. Hartley Memorial Scholarship because I carry forward the values of resilience, leadership, and service. This scholarship would be an invaluable support, enabling me to continue my academic and athletic pursuits and amplifying my ability to make a difference. It would empower me to honor the veteran community by raising awareness for their contributions, sharing their stories, and inspiring others to support the vital work they do. The Samuel D. Hartley Memorial Scholarship would be both an honor and an inspiration, motivating me to carry on serving, learning, and leading within my community.

The veteran in my life, my grandfather, has profoundly shaped who I am today. Serving 32 years in the Air Force, he became the first African American to reach the rank of Chief Master Sergeant at Belle Chase Air Force Base, standing as a pioneer on that base. He served in both Vietnam and the Gulf War, dedicating himself entirely to his country. After his military career, he continued his commitment to helping others by teaching ROTC at Higgins High School, where he mentored at-risk youth through a club called Boys to Men. He helped young men in the community stay away from gangs and aim for higher goals, guiding them toward military service or college. Watching his dedication taught me the value of resilience, discipline, and the power of uplifting others. His example has shown me how a single person’s influence can change lives, and he’s instilled in me the drive to follow a similar path of service and commitment. As a female golfer committed to the University of Mobile for Fall 2025, golf has been transformative in my life. Beyond the technical skills, golf has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life, each with stories that broaden my perspective. I enjoy mentoring younger players and seeing them start their own journeys in golf. Recently, while on the course, I played with a man who was new to golf but had a unique story. He shared his experiences in the military, his college football career, and how he transitioned into digital marketing after college. Starting as a freelancer, he worked his way up to a successful position in a supplement company. Hearing his story and passion for digital marketing helped me solidify my own decision. I had been considering either digital marketing or cybersecurity, but after our conversation, I realized digital marketing aligns with my strengths and interests. This was just one of the many instances where golf has brought unexpected guidance into my life. I started golf after my gymnastics career ended when I was 12 years old. I have been playing for five years now. I practice golf every day, striving to improve and grow toward my ultimate goal: winning the NAIA championship and becoming All American in my division when I begin college. This sport has taught me dedication, and I’m fully committed to making this dream a reality. If awarded this scholarship, I would be honored to promote the veteran community and the foundation as I progress on my journey. Veterans like my grandfather have made sacrifices that deserve recognition and respect, and I would be proud to amplify their stories and raise awareness for their contributions. I hope to inspire others to value the strength of the veteran community and join in supporting their invaluable work.