1. Growing up, my parents emphasized the value of dedication and determination in everything I pursue. That guidance taught me not just to chase opportunities, but to be intentional about where I invest my time and energy. When I began my journey as a student-athlete at Texas Southern University, I carried that mindset with me. Golf can sometimes overtake my mind and fill my schedule but, I am grateful to be able to grow where the Lord planted me. I am a part of the Texas Southern InterVarsity organization, where I am a member of the core team and the campus planning committee. We organize outreach on campus like major prayer circles, bible trivia, and our weekly tap-in Tuesday meetings. Being a part of InterVarsity helped strengthen my relationship with God and allowed me to meet some of my close friends. As I mentioned, my parents taught me to commit to everything that I do. I've learned that by putting God first, playing honorably, and striving for greatness, I can use golf to praise Him in my sport. I believe that God is the source of my talents, and I strive to thank Him by committing myself to the game and always giving my best effort. 2. My decision to major in psychology was deeply influenced by my journey with mental health. Psychology, as the study of behavior, the mind, and cognitive processes, has given me valuable insights into myself, helped me become more self-aware, and a deeper empathy for others facing similar struggles. Navigating personal challenges helped me develop a strong sense of self-awareness and a desire to better understand how the mind works. This major not only supports my academic growth but also empowers me to advocate for mental health awareness and resilience—both for myself and those around me. When I was younger, I always looked up to my mom as my role model. She has molded me into the young woman that I am today. She was a chemistry professor. I will always admire her, not just for her intellect but for her incredible work ethic. She worked passionately for everything she has, earning every accomplishment through persistence and passion. Growing up, I watched her balance career, family, and life’s challenges with faith and determination. Her dedication to science and education sparked my own interest in STEM which ultimately decided how I chose my minor in chemistry. I wanted to follow in her footsteps—not just professionally, but in the way she approaches life. She taught me that no dream is too big if you’re willing to work for it and that giving up is never an option. Because of her, I believe in my ability to overcome obstacles, chase meaningful goals, and continue her legacy with grace. 3. Currently, I am interning with the First Tee Birmingham which is a program built to introduce kids to the game of golf while learning life skills and becoming game changers in their communities. The Birmingham First Tee Chapter is a growing chapter that has been around for only two years. Their employee staff is very limited and they do not have a permanent executive director. Spending my time volunteering with the Greater Houston Chapter made me wish I had been a part of the First Tee Program as a child. The Fore Alabama Kids Board was excited to have me assist them when I contacted them. As an intern, I am gaining experience in task organization, email marketing, meeting coordination, and data analysis. I am also signing up to be a coach for ages 14 and up to give them the insight and tips they need to continue their golf career. By growing the game of golf and making it more accessible, I'm not only providing opportunities for kids to develop their skills but also helping them build character, discipline, and confidence. I plan to give back to my community by continuing to work with organizations like The First Tee. Working with the First Tee gives me hands-on experience as to how a 501(c)(3) operates, and enhances my leadership skills, networking opportunities, and exposure to golf industry careers. Beyond professional development, I truly value the relationships I’ve already built. I want to strengthen my connection with the chapter and stay invested in it for years to come. It’s important to me to give back to the youth, so I can help guide and inspire the next generation. 4. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step toward advancing my academic and athletic career. I have covered the cost of my tuition with my athletics but I am still looking for ways to cover my housing. With the current rising cost of housing in Houston, Texas, I have to look for other scholarships to help support myself and my family. I am motivated to relieve my parents of the financial responsibility that often comes with higher education. They have already sacrificed so much for my success, and it’s important to me that I take on this next chapter independently. By reducing the need for student loans, this scholarship would allow me to focus fully on my studies and future career, while also giving my family the peace of mind they deserve. What stands out the most about the Hulede Collegiate Golf Scholarship is the strong mentorship on and off the golf course. I value the hard work that has been done to create this scholarship, and I recognize how important it is to give back to the communities so that I can be the person I needed when I was younger. I hope to make a difference in at least one person’s life and inspire the next generation of golfers. Thank you so much for the opportunity of the Hulede Collegiate Golf Scholarship and thank you for reading my story.

My name is Shawnise Gregory and I am a 19-year-old rising sophomore majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sports Management. I am currently a student-athlete at Texas Southern University where I continue to sharpen my golf career playing collegiate golf for the university. I am a firm believer in the power of continuous learning and personal growth. I also have a passion for helping out in my community. Upon graduation, I would like to obtain my Masters degree in Psychology and create a non-profit organization for minority youth golfer to help them succeed and fall in love with the sport. 1. ) I am a part of the Texas Southern InterVarsity organization, where I continue to create Christ-like bonds on the foundation of faith at Texas Southern! In campus ministry, I continue to share how the Lord moves in my life while creating bonds blessed by the Lord. I volunteer at the First Tee of Houston during my first year on Saturdays and Sundays. I enjoy helping grow the game by teaching children golf while integrating social skills. Watching the children grow and continue to work on their passion for golf is the reward I love to receive when volunteering. 2.) Creating a legacy comes from one's reputation, character, and life, set up to be a role model for others to guide their futures. From age 8 to 15, my mother and father worked long hours in the summer so that my face could be seen in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) summer programs and golf camps, allowing me to share and continue my passion for science and love for golf. My ultimate goal would be to continue my legacy of connecting minority youth to the gift of golf and giving back to my loving parents, who sparked the fire inside me to ignite my passion for helping others. Golf has given me a pathway of opportunities throughout my lifetime. At 17, I committed to Texas Southern University for golf and chose to pursue a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in sports management. Everyone in my family graduated from Historically Black Colleges or Universities. Choosing Texas Southern was like choosing family. I had many offers at predominately white schools, but I knew Texas Southern would help me continue my passion and further my goals. I want to become a Sports Psychologist because every athlete should prioritize their mental health. I have always been passionate about helping people and my calling is Sports Psychology. Athletes need to be more aware of their mental health throughout their college experience. 3.) Golf, a game not highly played by people of color, must grow through the faces of our minority youth, and that is what I try to accomplish. I started playing golf at Columbiana Golf Course outside of Calera, Alabama. The range was a field of untamed grass surrounded by a white picket fence with five white posted boards ranging from 50 to 200 yards. This was my practice area from 5 years old until I started taking my first lesson at Timberline Golf Club. I was influenced by a steadfast, passionate person to play golf: My dad. This past weekend, I received my official Girl Scouts Gold Award, in which I taught young black, Indigenous, and people of color children (K–5) the understanding of golf, how to hold a golf club, and the joys of golf. I have created this program to proudly give young children the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the game of golf for free cost. Watching these children light up with joy is my favorite part of giving back to the golf community. The best part of obtaining my Golf award is that it drives lasting change in my community that I can continue pursuing throughout college and post-graduation. 4.) The Hulede Collegiate Golf scholarship would help me reach my goal of continuing to create an opportunity for young children. This scholarship can aid the cost of practice and allow me to achieve my ultimate goal of the children enjoying Top Golf for the first time. The aid from the Hulede Collegiate Golf scholarship will cater to my ultimate goal of returning kindness to my devoted parents who inspired me to help others and relieve the financial stress off from my parents which can help with tournament fees, flights to home, and college classes. This will allow me to help enhance my collegiate experience at Texas Southern University to help me the become the best version of myself.

Creating a legacy comes from one's reputation, character, and life, set up to be a role model for others to guide their futures. From age 8 to 15, my African American mother and father worked long hours in the summer so that my face could be seen in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) summer programs and golf camps, allowing me to share and continue my passion for science and love for golf. This past weekend, I received my official Girl Scouts Gold Award, in which I taught young black, indigenous, and people of color children (K–5) the understanding of golf, how to hold a golf club, and the joys of golf. Golf, a game led by predominantly white men, must grow through the faces of our minority youth, and that is what I try to accomplish. At 17, I committed to Texas Southern University for golf and chose to pursue a B.S. in Chemistry with a pre-dental focus. Everyone in my family graduated from Historically Black Colleges or Universities. Choosing Texas Southern was like choosing family. I had many offers at predominately white schools, but I knew Texas Southern would help me continue my passion and further my goals. My ultimate goal would be to continue my legacy of connecting minority youth to the gift of golf and giving back to my loving parents, who sparked the fire inside me to ignite my passion for helping others.