Looking Back and a Glimpse into the Future

Time has definitely flown these last four years. I can hardly believe I'm sitting at my desk one final exam away from being done with my undergraduate classes. Looking back at my four years of being on the Ball State women's golf team, I can honestly say that it's been some of the best times of my life.

I have been blessed each and every day in my time here. Being a college athlete has opened so many doors for me. I have made some of my best friends in my teammates and athletes in other sports as well. I could not have asked for a better coach to play for in Katherine Mowat. She has helped me develop into the golfer I am today, as well as been a confidant when I needed to talk.

For the past two years the team has had the pleasure of having Mary Carmody as our graduate assistant coach. Mary played college golf for Longwood University in Virginia. In fact, I've actually played a competitive round with her before. Mary was a huge asset to our team both on the course and in the weight room. She has truly left her mark on Ball State golf, and we will miss her dearly.

Although my final tournament did not go as I pictured, I did learn that great lesson golf is so good at teaching. Golf has an uncanny way of reminding you that it's just a game, and one that builds character each and every time you try and play it. My final hole of college golf is one I'd like to forget, but somehow I know it will always be with me. I was very emotional from 17 green, until I made my long bogey putt on 18. On the drive home, I was thinking back to that moment and realized that even though it was the end of my college playing career it's just the beginning of my coaching career. Nonetheless, when you close the door on one chapter of your life it's going to be emotional. I'm sad my playing career is over, but am just as excited to begin my coaching career as the graduate assistant here at Ball State for the next two years.

In addition to coaching, I will be pursing a master's degree in biomechanics. Biomechanics is the study of human movement and I plan to apply it directly to golf. I will actually get my first experience with this as I complete my internship this summer at the Ball State University biomechanics laboratory. I will be working with a graduate student who has done extensive work with 2D and 3D golf swing analysis.

While I am preparing for a future in teaching golf, my teammate Brittany Kelly is about to begin her professional career, but that's before she leaves one more mark in the Ball State women's golf record book. Brittany is competing in the NCAA Regional golf tournament as an individual. She is the first golfer in program history to accomplish this. The tournament starts tomorrow and extends through Saturday. Brittany has a bright future in golf, and I consider myself blessed to call her my teammate and one of my best friends.

With that comes my good-bye. I've thoroughly enjoyed writing and sharing my experiences in golf with you all and am very grateful for all of the support I've received over the years. An especially important thank you goes out to my parents who have been my biggest fans, rarely missing a tournament no matter how far away they had to travel. Although, I think they just wanted the excuse to take mini vacations! Thank you, Mom and Dad, I love you very much and I will do my best to get a job in a couple of years that is someplace fun to visit! And to all of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who have supported me and kept up with my golf career, thank you. Your support and interest means the world to me!

Once again, thank you to the Linton community. I am proud to call Linton my hometown. So many of you have made such an impact in my life and played a major part in my success both on the golf course and in the classroom. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Ball State, YOU KNOW!! :')