Golf may be an individual sport, but I am so thankful to be surrounded by this great group of lovely ladies.

Words cannot describe how much each one of these girls have taught me about my sport and life.

Hannahbeth Owens (Far left) is a brilliant young lady that carries her head high no matter what life throws at her. With resiliency and her courageous mind and soul, she is continuing her dream to go to Pharmacy school. I am thankful to have had her as a teammate through my college career so far. Hannahbeth can brighten a room with her smile and makes life seem simple but sweet. Hannahbeth has not only taught me that dedication pays off but also to appreciate the beautiful things Kentucky has to offer. With her infectious laugh, she will brighten even more of her colleague’s lives in grad school by her grace.

Bailey Hubbard (Second left) Bailey never fails to make me smile, watching her play golf inspires me to not take the sport so seriously and enjoy it for what it is. Bailey is a freshman on our team. Ms. Hubbard has a very bright golf and college career ahead of her. I am blessed to have known her throughout this year and watch her grow out of her shell with our golf team. I look forward to next year with bailey, there is never a dull moment with this beautiful soul.

Elsa Moberly (middle left)

ELSA-BELLE! The beautiful Elsa was an incoming transfer my freshman year and she welcomed me with open arms. Elsa is not just one hell of a golfer but a very sweet lady. Elsa Moberly is nothing short of a champion. Her dedication to the game of golf is impressive and fun to watch. Elsa has taught me to fight on the golf course. When the going gets tough Elsa will always fight back and be better. Elsa has had an amazing college career at Eastern and will continue her golf career as professional shortly after graduation. I have also had the liberty to become very close friends with Ms. Moberly, many fun memories we have had as teammates from van rides, to finding a cockroach in our hotel room (YUCK!!!) There will always be many laughs shared with this beauty. I cannot wait to see what she does post-college golf.

Mikayla Groonwald (middle)

Oh my oh my, Mikayla. The beautiful woman who is now married!! I was lucky enough to be a bridesmaid for this gorgeous young lady as she tied the knot with her amazing husband, Benjamin. I was able to share the opportunity to be roommates with this beauty during our freshman year. Mikayla has taught me so many things that I have applied to my daily life. Love all that is around you, love yourself and appreciate what you have. With her grace, she shines so bright and never fails to make anyone feel special. As she is an old soul, she knows much about life in her twenty-year-old self. Mikayla is a great woman and will continue to be a powerful leader on and off the golf course.

Ragnhildur Kristinsdottir (Second right)

This girl is a fighter, the way she plays golf could inspire anyone. Ragga is from Iceland and she never fails to make me smile. I consider this beautiful girl one of my best friends.  Ms. Ragga has taught me grit on the golf course. With her “Go For It” mentality she makes golf fun. Ragga also is a very hard worker and will always go the extra mile in whatever she does. I am so glad to have met this awesome girl. Ragga is a helper, she will always go out of her way to protect anyone she loves. This brilliant girl has such a bright future and I am so excited to be a part of her life.

Amanda Lindhal (middle right)

Sweet, sweet Amanda. The Swedish native came to Eastern to pursue her College golf dream and has made a lasting impact on everyone she has met her over her four years. Amanda is a beautiful inside and out and will also pursue her dream as a professional golfer post-graduation. Amanda has been my roommate this year, and it has been full of adventures. This sweet girl is so fun to be around as she is a determined, bright and fearless. This amazing girl was a great leader on our team and made each day joyous to all. Ms. Amanda has taught me to be simplistic in my life and work for what I want. Her legacy will carry on as she moves back home and chases her dream.

All of these ladies have been with me through absolutely everything. The night I found out my mother passed, we were all together coincidentally. The love that we all share for each other is enormous. That night, in spite of the bad circumstances it brought us together as we all cried and held each other. I will never forget that night – I thank God it happened when I was with them, however, we are not just a team – we ARE a family. As some may be turning the page to another chapter of their lives we are still a TEAM.

I wish all of these girls happiness, which they have brought much happiness to my life. I wish them to take something from each and every one of us as they continue to grow as women. The greatness that these ladies share is astronomical.

Thank you. Thank you for sharing friendships with me. I thank them for being themselves. May we continue to grow our bond with each other and appreciate each other for who we are, and what we are yet to become.

xoxo,

Samantha