Hi there. I’m Sabrina Lo, a 17-year-old girl whose life was forever changed by a game we all know and love.
I know that might sound dramatic, especially since I’ve only been playing golf for a few years now, but I assure you it’s not. Thanks to LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, I’ve grown not only as a golfer but as a confident young woman who had no hesitation when asked to join the Girls Golf National Board of Directors. To add context, that’s something I never would have done before joining the program.
Speaking of Girls Golf, the program welcomed its millionth girl last year. In honor of that mark, they launched the One Million MORE Girls campaign, which seeks to celebrate all the girls who made it possible, all while working toward reaching the next million by 2030.
I personally feel extremely grateful to be one in a million, however, I am also 1 in 3,000.
Neurofibromatosis type 1, more commonly known as NF1, affects approximately 1 in 3,000 people. While this condition is genetic, I have no familial history of the condition.
NF1 has many different symptoms. One symptom is benign tumors. These tumors come in all shapes and sizes and can appear on any part of the body. I have a few visible spots on my arm and wrist. It also has cognitive effects. People with NF1 may experience trouble focusing and paying attention, memory problems or trouble grasping specific concepts. It also affects your motor skills, like coordination and doing things like sewing and braiding my hair. I’m lucky enough to have a milder case of it, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t affected my life.
My parents didn’t tell me I had this condition until I was 14 years old and in the 8th grade. It was my understanding that they hid it from me because they did not want me feeling any different or less than my peers and classmates. Upon discovering this, I was confused and scared. This discovery was especially scary due to the fact it was something completely unfamiliar to me, something I had never even heard of.
During my childhood, I faced challenges with various tasks. While my peers were mastering tying their shoes at ages 6 or 7, I struggled with it until I was 10. The bunny ear technique just didn’t click for me.
I was noticeably unathletic despite my parents’ efforts to involve me in many different activities, such as soccer, ballet, swimming, basketball and tennis. I couldn’t run as swiftly, jump as high or kick the ball as far as others could. Even my violin and piano lessons presented difficulties despite many years of lessons and practice. My parents told me later that my piano teacher was ready to give up on me. I didn’t perceive these differences when I was young. I just thought I had to work harder.
I didn’t start playing golf until the summer before my freshman year. It piqued my interest because it was a sport that didn’t require running. I know I’m not the only one who enjoys that aspect of golf. Now that I was fully aware that my coordination and athleticism were affected by NF1, my parents and I both had low expectations.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding my ability, I developed a great love for the sport and continued to hone my skills to the best of my ability that summer. Upon entering high school, I made it my goal to make the varsity team and be one of the top five players. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, especially as words of doubt and discouragement began pouring in from others, including my peers, but I chose to cast those thoughts aside and push forward.
I did not want to let my condition stop me from achieving my goals, so over that summer, I worked with a private trainer and practiced with my golf coach. By doing these things, I began developing into the type of athlete I never thought I could be. Recently, one of my golf coaches even said I was athletic and talented. My dad heard this and was so proud. That was the first time anyone ever said that I was athletic. We laughed about it on the ride home.
Following the week of tryouts, I received an email informing me that I had made the varsity team. I was one of the players selected to play in the very first match of the season, and while my score was less than ideal, I had the best result of anyone on my team. From there, I continued to work hard and attend all practices and matches. I achieved my goal of making the top five and ended the season being number two on the team. This experience taught me that through hard work, determination and passion, no goal is out of reach despite the physical challenges that come with NF1.
That summer, my mom and I found out about LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. I applied for their Leadership Academy and was accepted. When I got there, I felt shy and somewhat awkward. While the academy only lasted for two days, I truly believe the experience changed my life. At the academy, I was surrounded by incredible peers and leaders who created the most uplifting atmosphere. I left the academy with a new spark of confidence.
After that summer, I started volunteering with Girls Golf and became an eLeader at my local site. Through volunteering with Girls Golf, my confidence grew, and I became more involved and engaged. Volunteering for clinics and camps in Girls Golf gave me the opportunity to teach and uplift younger girls in golf, just as my peers and teachers did for me at the Leadership Academy. I learned that working with kids can be fun and rewarding. These kids even served as an inspiration to me. They remind me to always have a positive attitude and to have fun no matter what the circumstances are. This positive attitude spreads to others.
Last summer, I was once again accepted into the Leadership Academy. I was grateful to be offered the opportunity to attend a second year. This time, I was more confident to approach others and strike up conversations with new girls who were as shy and awkward as I was in the previous year. I would contribute to group discussions and help those girls who might have been on the shy side voice their opinions as well. I felt like I knew how they were feeling, and I wanted to make sure their voices were heard. The difference in my confidence and my character between the two summers was noticeable to both me and those around me. I wanted to be a positive influence on others just as others had done for me.
Throughout that year, I was able to pursue more opportunities through First Tee and Girls Golf. These experiences helped me grow as a person and helped me find my identity. Girls Golf has given me a supportive community where I feel I belong and where I can thrive both on and off the golf course. I am grateful for the opportunities this organization has provided me and am eager to continue being a contributing member, inspiring other girls and making a positive impact in their lives.
In school, I work hard to get good grades, but it is far from easy. It obviously would be easier to give up and make excuses, but that’s not who I am, especially when I know I’m smart, but learn differently. Seeing the strides I’ve made on the golf course has given me the confidence to step up in school, which has paid off as I am currently the president or vice president of three clubs, all of which I am actively leading, raising money or competing for in state competitions.
Socially, we all know how hard it can be in middle and high school. I struggled early on finding myself in high school, but I have finally found a supportive, fun and like-minded friend group whom I love. I also feel incredibly fortunate to have my wonderful family and my faith, both of which have kept me strong.
I have learned that adversity does not necessarily have to be a negative thing, but rather, that it can be a motivator. I have proven to myself that despite facing challenges and having a condition like NF1, I can achieve my dreams and goals with hard work, determination and a positive attitude. I’d like to bring more awareness to NF1 so that others who have it aren’t ashamed of it and can actually thrive with it. No one is perfect, but we all can thrive and be an inspiration to others.
It is important to remember that even if someone has a medical condition, it does not make them any less than others. I feel that we are all able to achieve great things even with these challenges.
I no longer consider my condition a “disease” or “disability.” I consider it a superpower. Being one in a million is pretty amazing, but being that AND 1 in 3,000 is even cooler.
That’s why I always remind myself: “Why JUST fit in when you were born to stand out?”
LPGA*USGA Girls Golf members are an inspiration on and off the course. These girls are blazing a trail for future generations of athletes and leaders, but they can’t do it alone. Please consider donating to the One Million MORE Girls campaign to help provide this life-changing foundation for girls of all backgrounds.
For more information about donating to the #OneMillionMOREGirls campaign, please click here.
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