Certain people come into your life at exactly the right time, whether you realize it in the moment or not. For me, those people came with the UHSP golf team. College golf wasn’t always something that I wanted to do. However, it became something I needed more than I could have ever expected. Not just because of the sport itself, but because of the people who came with it. More specifically, my coaches.
They met me exactly where I was – not where they wanted me to be, not where they thought I should be – but where I actually was. When I decided to join the UHSP golf team, I was really worried I wouldn’t fit in or be overwhelmed. Fortunately for me, it was the exact opposite. I was immediately made a part of the family. My teammates became my best friends, and my coaches became my fill-in parents. I couldn’t have asked for a better team dynamic than the one I was part of in golf.
As athletes, we’re used to being pushed. We’re used to being told to do more, be more, perform at a higher level. Though that is a part of growth, the way it is done matters. My golf coaches understand that. They pushed me to be better, but never in a way that made me question my self-worth. Instead, they made me want to make them proud, because they supported me through everything, good and bad.
They created an environment where I felt supported and important. They made me feel like mistakes were not failures, but just a part of the process. At golf, there was no hesitation, no second-guessing every move, no constant pressure weighing over me. At golf I could play freely. I was able to trust myself and my abilities out on the course. Most importantly, I enjoyed competing again, and I began to believe in myself.
That is something I didn’t realize I had lost until I found it again. Their belief in me came way before I fully believed in myself. They saw potential in me, and they made sure I eventually saw it too. Through every practice, every round, and every conversation, they built me up in a way that will stick with me far beyond my college years.
They didn’t just support me as an athlete, they supported me as a whole person. There were moments when I was struggling more than I let on, and somehow, they noticed. Even when I wasn’t saying anything, even when others didn’t see, they did. Instead of ignoring it, they stepped in. They checked in on me. They made time for me. They reminded me that I didn’t have to go through things alone. When I felt overlooked or unsure about myself, they made sure I felt seen. When I felt like I was falling, they caught me and lifted me back up. That kind of support is something I could never put into words how grateful I am for.
My coaches didn’t just focus on my performance. Of course, performance matters in sports, and it always will, but they emphasized growth more. They reminded me that progress isn’t always linear, and a single shot, a single round, or a single day doesn’t define that success. It is built over time, through consistency, effort, and most importantly, resilience.
Their impact didn’t stop when we left the course. They were my biggest supporters in every aspect of my life. When I was at my lowest, they were the ones who lifted me back up. They advocated for me, supported me, and invested time in helping me become the person I needed to be. No matter what I was going through, I always knew who I could turn to. The impact they’ve had on me goes far beyond golf. They helped me rebuild my confidence. They reminded me what college athletics are supposed to feel like. They showed me that you can be competitive and successful while still creating a positive and supportive environment.
That kind of coaching doesn’t just create better athletes; It creates stronger and more confident people. Looking back, I am so grateful I decided to be a part of this team. I am grateful for everything I’ve learned through golf, and I truly do not know where I would be without it. But more than anything, it all comes back to the coaches.
They gave me something bigger than the game itself. They gave me a place to grow, a reason to keep showing up, and a reminder that I am more capable than I think.
That is something I will carry with me long after I am done playing.