In 2022, I attended my first LPGA Leadership Academy as a young student, and my life changed forever. I arrived a timid, quiet girl on day one and left a confident leader ready to take on the world following day two. My life was immediately set on a completely new trajectory.

Now, this energized girl was in me the whole time, but I needed some help introducing her to the world, and that’s exactly what the hand-picked, world-class professionals and instructors did over those two days. After graduating from the LPGA Leadership Academy, I left with a deep desire to give back, but I never knew exactly how I would do that until now.

See, every alumna of the LPGA Leadership Academy had an opportunity to apply for a scholarship during her senior year of high school. I fortunately was granted a scholarship after taking a chance without fully understanding what I would gain. Little did I know at the time, but that outcome would eventually give me the opportunity to pour into girls just the way I was poured into over that two-day academy.

It all started after I was awarded the scholarship and subsequently invited to Florida where I met Stephanie Peareth, Director of Operations for the LPGA Foundation and LPGA*USGA Girls Golf especially. AKA, the woman who helped change my life. Because not only did she take the time to help me grow as a person, but she also invited me to work on her team as a Leadership Academy intern during the summer of 2024. For many reasons, I could not say yes fast enough.

First, I know the transformational power these academies have. They provide participants with the chance to meet and connect with other girls on a deeper level than just golf. For example, LPGA Leadership Academies utilize a lesson plan that features classroom and on-the-course sessions. This curriculum takes a deep dive into everything participants need to know about leadership, empowerment, and how to get the best out of themselves and those around them.

To kick off an LPGA Leadership Academy, each girl is provided with a book that has various lessons, and a personality assessment based on birds. Everything they learn in the book is then put into practice on the course. On-the-course activities prioritize different bird types interacting and learning how to communicate with people that understand information differently. This is achieved in one particular activity by having a participant putt blindfolded, while their partner verbalizes what she needs to do to eventually get the ball into the hole. These activities teach the girls that even though some of them have the same bird types, they are all unique in their own way. Overall, the curriculum prioritizes building confidence, improving organizational skills, learning stress management tactics and how to work better with others.

Secondly, I could not have been more excited to travel the country, meeting girls of different backgrounds and exploring new places. This year, LPGA Leadership Academies took me to San Francisco, California; Miami, Florida; Midland, Michigan; Liberty Corner, New Jersey, and Nashville, Tennessee. Thanks to the support of partners like Acer, Dow and the USGA, LPGA Leadership Academies are held annually in San Francisco, Midland and Liberty Corner, respectively. As for Miami and Nashville, those cities were new in 2024.

While every location is amazing, each one comes with a different feel and something special for those particular participants. The first academy of the year took place in Nashville at the Gaylord Opryland. This world-class venue alone was worth the price of admission, as it featured an indoor water park and nine acres of glass atriums that housed winding waterways and lush gardens. If that wasn’t enough, the girls got to enjoy all outside activities at the beautiful Gaylord Springs Golf Links. The Nashville Academy also welcomed four eLeader Board of Directors, which added to the group camaraderie thanks to those girls getting to share their experiences shaping the direction of the national Girls Golf program.

The next academy was held in Miami at the breathtaking Biltmore Hotel & Golf Club. This was a special circumstance because the academy was co-sponsored by Rhone and Versant. Both of these partners have staked their claim to women’s golf, serving as the Official On-Course Apparel Partner of the LPGA Tour and an Official Marketing Partner, respectively. With the women’s game covered, it only made sense for them to support the next generation as well. Both partners were incredibly engaged, as their representatives not only spoke to the girls about their experience as women in the corporate world, but they also took part in several activities. To cap off this incredible experience, Girls Golf welcomed its first adaptive golfer to a Leadership Academy. Thanks to special on-course technology, Lola was able to take shots on the driving range and join the group in other activities. Seeing Lola succeed in spite of her condition only made the group camaraderie even stronger and brought everyone closer together.

Following that inspirational academy, the Girls Golf team made their way to Michigan. Sponsored by longtime partner Dow, this annual academy brings a special focus to sustainability and leaving the world better than we found it. Given this focus on caring for the Earth, it was only fitting that a beautiful, white duck hung around for all our outdoor activities. This was particularly meaningful because ducks were LPGA Founder Shirley Spork’s favorite animal. A huge proponent of Girls Golf, it really felt like she was with us those days.

Our next academy took place at a very special place for Girls Golf, the USGA Headquarters in Liberty Corner, New Jersey. Girls Golf would not be where it is today without the support of the USGA, a longtime partner that has supported the program both financially and through events like U.S. Women’s Open clinics. The USGA executive team is always heavily involved in the clinic, which means a lot to the girls and our coaches as well. These female executives hold an annual panel where they talk about their journeys as women in the golf industry. Their testimonials are incredibly powerful and something the girls were able to relate to.

The final Leadership Academy of 2024 took place at Lake Merced Golf Club, just south of San Francisco. This one featured another longtime partner in Acer. The technology company has long been focused on increasing the number of women both in golf and STEM. Not only does Acer bring out some of their executives, but they also give out brand new laptops to every single girl in the academy, further fostering their efforts to provide every individual with the ability to plug in, whether it’s for school, work, or personal needs.

In looking back over the summer, there’s one thing all of these partners share. They want to change the game for girls around the country and across the world. Getting to see their commitment firsthand was so inspiring and it really reinforced just how far the women’s game has come and how bright of a future it has.

To say this summer was life-changing is an understatement. Even though I was on the road to change girls’ lives, they changed mine. From the coordinators to the instructors and everyone in between, I can confidently say this is one of the most important things in our lives. This opportunity to see the transformations of these girls is like watching a butterfly come out of its cocoon. Seeing the shy girls blossom like never before and seeing the life-long connections being made is something I’ll greatly miss.

Upon returning to college, I began using these techniques in my everyday life. No matter the type of lesson, each one serves a purpose. For example, setting goals is just as important as being comfortable dancing like no one’s watching. Each lesson has helped me not only become a more driven person, but they’ve taught me to appreciate how far I’ve already come in my life.

If someone were to ask me why they should sign up for an LPGA Leadership Academy, here’s what I’d say. If you are looking for a place to be you, a true community willing to accept you for you, the LPGA Leadership academy is for you. If you are looking for a place to learn how to communicate better with others on and off the course, the LPGA Leadership Academy is for you. Lastly, if you are looking for a place to open up, learn about yourself, gain confidence, and change the world, the LPGA Leadership Academy is for you. Applying could be the step you need to change your life and make an impact on those around you and even the world.

Seeing the impact that was made on over 200 girls this summer from an intern perspective was one of the most valuable perspectives I’ve ever experienced. Seeing their struggles, their triumphs, the tears and the smiles changes how I perceived the game of golf. There’s so much more to golf than just hitting a ball. For so many of these girls, it’s an escape from reality. It’s where they can be themselves and feel empowered even in a male-dominated field. That’s what Girls Golf sheds a light on, and I hope you join me in continuing to support that mission.