GIF: How were you introduced to the Marilynn Smith Scholarship opportunity?

EMILY: I was applying to scholarships for college my senior year and I had probably applied to 50 scholarships at this point. My mom found the Marilynn Smith Scholarship though the LPGA and I remember telling her I wasn't good enough to get that scholarship and it was going to be a waste of time.  She didn't like that answer I remember and she started listing off my accolades from my career and I agreed to do it. Partially to make my mom happy but her reassurance and spotlight on my accomplishments made me realize I was a good fit for the scholarship so I applied.  

GIF: How did you learn you would be receiving a scholarship?

EMILY: The call came as a surprise. I was working my summer job at the Jewel Golf Club when the phone rang. It wasn't busy so I answered. I was told I got the scholarship! I was speechless and couldn't believe it.

GIF: Are there any other high school golf memories that stand out in your mind?

EMILY: I was nominated for Ms. Minnesota Golf which was such an honor. It capped off my high school career on a high note - in my mind that was the end for my career but thankfully that wasn't the case. I am happy to say as a golf coach, I now have the chance to pay it forward by helping others.

GIF: Earlier this year you attended the 20223 Cognizant Founders Club at Upper Montclair Country Club in NJ. What was that experience like?

EMILY: I know it was just luck of the draw that got me to attend this tournament, but in some ways, I feel like it was a kick for me to see that I need to help grow the game. The experience was unreal. It was actually my first LPGA tournament, it's going to be a tough one to beat. I got to meet so many amazing people who work tirelessly to grow the game of golf for women.  Growing the game is something I am passionate about, but I sometime get stuck on how to execute that.  I ask myself, How am I going to grow the game? I'm just a small pebble in this ocean. Some of the people I connected with gave me ideas and possibly a little reassurance that I can do the things I have my eyes set on.  Since graduating High School, I always wanted to do more with the game.  I wanted to make a career out of it but worried it wouldn't be a stable job. I thought about becoming an LPGA teaching pro after college but I thought I couldn't do that with a full time job. I met Karen Bennett, Penny Zavichas, and Gwen Checho and they both assured me that I could do it if I wanted to. So I figured why not me? I am planning to start my Level 1 courses this fall.

GIF: You mentioned meeting some amazing people. Tell us about some of your favorite experiences.

I got to meet some of my hero's like Stacy Lewis, who was (and still is) my favorite LPGA player.  She was so kind and I see how she helps make sure those 13 ladies are not forgotten through her platform. We had the women's leadership day where we learned how to empower ourselves.  The champions dinner, we got to hear about the legacy of the founders and how Pioneers like Betsy King and Pia Nilsson carry that legacy on. Friday, we watched The Founders and got to hear about everything those 13 ladies had to go through, yet still managed to lay the foundation for what still is today the premier ladies professional golf association. Friday - Sunday I got to sit on the Perch with some amazing ladies: Penny Zavichas, Amy Allcott, Pia Nilsson, Betsy King, and Teresa Zamboni. There was inspiration every where I looked.

GIF: The Founders Cup focuses on the phrase Act Like A Founder, how has that impacted your life or outlook on the sport?

EMILY: While in NJ for the Founders Cup, on Friday morning, I went to drop off my laundry. A mother and her little girl were working and the little girl was trying to help the mom. I went to my car and was about to drive away and then put the car back in park. I walked in and asked if the mother had any interest in brining her daughter to a LPGA tournament that weekend. She then told me she had 3 little girls. I told her that was perfect because I had 4 tickets and it was Girls Golf weekend. That was my Act Like A Founder moment of the week.  As I left I remember thinking to myself, that is what Marilynn would have done.

GIF: Is there any thing you would like to ad?

EMILY: I will forever be grateful of the experience and will do whatever I can to "Act Like a Founder."