When choosing a college, I wanted to find a place that felt comfortable while still pushing me and providing growth opportunities, all while allowing me to continue playing golf at a competitive level. I also knew I wanted a “smaller” university with personal class sizes and the ability to explore degree options.
I ultimately earned a degree in Communications, which has proven to be incredibly valuable throughout my career. No matter the profession or situation, the ability to communicate effectively, articulate ideas clearly, and connect with others through both written and verbal communication is an essential skill.
After graduating from USC Upstate, I spent some time working in the golf industry, something that would not have been possible without the relationships and connections I built while competing for Upstate. Shortly after, someone within my network introduced me to a role in athletics development at Western Carolina University.
The individual who hired me was deeply passionate about philanthropy and creating pathways for young people, including the same opportunity I had been fortunate enough to receive: earning a college degree while competing in a sport I loved. Thanks to an athletic scholarship, I was able to pursue my education without the burden of significant financial stress, and that experience left a lasting impression on me.
More than 15 years later, I am still working in university advancement, helping individuals and companies make meaningful investments that create an immediate impact in the lives of young people while supporting causes they care deeply about.
I cannot say for certain that I would have discovered this passion without the experiences Upstate provided me, but I do know that witnessing firsthand the impact philanthropy can have on a person’s life makes this work incredibly rewarding.
One of the things I value most is the lasting relationships I built during my time at Upstate. One of my closest friends to this day, Jessica Wofford, was my teammate throughout all four years.
I have also stayed in touch with my coach, Todd Lawton, who still leads both the men’s and women’s golf programs today.
Because I now understand firsthand the budgets within a college athletics department and the need for philanthropic support, I make it a priority to give back consistently whenever I can — and I encourage others to do the same.
The friendships, connections, and network I have built through golf have been truly unbelievable and have led to opportunities and experiences I never could have imagined. I can also credit the golf world for leading me to meet my husband, Matt. His career in the golf industry recently brought us to Pittsburgh and closer to my family, which has been an incredible blessing as we now have a 10-month-old son, Johnny, who gets to grow up surrounded by family.
Get in the spotlight.
Each month, we spotlight one of our alumni to learn about their experiences since graduation. Through their stories, often in their own words, we discover the impact Upstate has made on their journeys.