I’ve always been inspired by people who choose their own path and don’t follow a conventional crowd. This source of inspiration is the driving force for why I support those around me who decide on their own challenging but rewarding journey, whether it is in golf or other pursuits. I am a huge believer in the power of support. The more we can celebrate each other’s victories, the more we can collectively grow as people.

This power of support is deeply rooted at Wake Forest University where I am currently earning my master’s degree. I regularly interact with my old teammates and coaches, and frequently refresh Golfstat during their tournaments, excited to see how they are doing. When they have a great round or fight back after a double bogey, I always message them. I do this because it’s so easy to overlook success and remain stuck dwelling on the negatives. I love to see the success of others because I know how difficult success is to achieve. When Wake played in their home tournament, I was so proud to watch my teammates, some of whom were playing in their first collegiate event. It was even more thrilling to watch them win.

A couple of weeks later, I drove down to Chapel Hill to watch Wake compete in the Ruth’s Chris Invitational, hosted by the University of North Carolina. To see the Deacs win again was so special. I love and respect my coaches dearly, and I know how hard my teammates work to be the best they can be. Additionally, what’s special about Wake Forest is the consistent fan base we have that extends beyond family to donors, alumni, and additional Deacs supporters who love to watch and encourage us.

When I played the Carolina Golf Classic Epson tournament in Greensboro, two of my teammates came out to watch along with a crowd of Wake fans, many of whom I have a strong connection with, and some I have never met. The volume and enthusiasm of the messages I received from family, teammates, coaches, and Wake supporters was so humbling. It is a constant reminder of how thick and bonded the Wake community is. It’s a beautiful image of what happens when we support each other in our journeys. And it pushes everyone to pursue their dreams, despite challenges along the way.

This is also what I love about writing. I have the privilege of highlighting a person’s story to a vast audience while sharing a piece of who they are.

As the Epson Tour Championship recently finished and Stage II of LPGA Qualifying School begins, I’m witnessing my friends and peers who have either accomplished their dreams or are actively pursuing the goal of LPGA Tour membership.

I was thrilled to reunite at the Carolina Golf Classic with Lilia Vu and Sophia Schubert, with whom I played in the 2018 Arnold Palmer Cup. To see them atop the Epson Tour money list and standing together at the end of the season holding their LPGA Tour cards was a thrill. Additionally, my college friend Amanda Doherty and Wake alum and great friend Allison Emrey both earned their Tour cards. I also had friends who finished just shy of the top-10, and their Instagram posts captured a glimpse of their mixed emotions and continued dedication to pursuing their dreams.

The deeper purpose for all of us as female golfers is to inspire more girls to play and love the game. Whether those girls go on to the LPGA Tour, keep their amateur status, become coaches, executives, or anything they aspire to be, bonding as women through the game of golf is the ultimate goal.

This week of Stage II, I will root for my Curtis Cup teammates, Brooke Matthews, Allisen Corpuz, and Gina Kim, my former teammate Swing Liu, and all my friends from college and junior golf, wishing them the best success in chasing their dreams. I will also cheer on my Deacs as they travel over to Wilmington, N.C. for the Landfall Tradition, the final event of their fall season.

More than anything, as an amateur, an alumnus, a spectator, a friend and a fan, I am rooting for the women’s game – now and forever.

Finding New Joy in Rooting From the Sidelines

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