If you asked me a few years ago where I saw myself after college, I probably wouldn’t have said starting a junior golf academy. Yet, looking back now, it makes perfect sense. Golf has been the
one constant in my life, from early mornings on the range to traveling across the country for
tournaments, to playing Division I golf at Tulane. Every chapter of my journey has been shaped
by this game, and My First Swings is my way of giving back to the sport that gave me so much.
I started golf when I was in elementary school. What began as weekend lessons with my dad
turned into a lifelong passion. I remember being one of the only girls at the range, often
surrounded by older players or boys my age, trying to prove that I belonged. Golf taught me
early how to stay calm under pressure, how to compete with grace, and how to fail, adjust, and
try again. It’s a sport that mirrors life in every way. Every round is unpredictable, but what
matters is how you respond.
As I got older and started playing competitively, the game became about discipline and
persistence. Long practices, balancing schoolwork, travel schedules, and maintaining focus
through ups and downs shaped me into the person I am today. At Tulane, being part of the
women’s golf team pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of. Competing at that level
wasn’t just about talent; it was about leadership, teamwork, and mental toughness. Those
experiences prepared me for more than tournaments. They prepared me for life after college.
When my college career ended, I realized something important: I didn’t want my relationship
with golf to end too. I wanted to stay connected to the sport in a way that felt meaningful. That’s
when the idea for My First Swings Golf Academy was born. I thought about the kids I’d see at
the range, curious, excited, and sometimes intimidated, and I remembered how it felt to be that
kid. I wanted to create a space where young players could learn the game the right way, with
encouragement, confidence, and fun at the center of it.
My First Swings is designed for young golfers in grades K–9, a stage where the fundamentals
matter most. But it’s not just about teaching golf; it’s about building confidence, character, and
focus through the game. Every lesson is meant to feel like a mix of learning and play. I use what
I’ve learned through my years of training and competition to make sure each student feels seen,
supported, and challenged at the right pace.
When I became PGTAA certified, it was another step toward turning this vision into something
real. Soon, I’ll also complete my U.S. Kids Golf certification, which perfectly aligns with what
My First Swings stands for, helping kids grow through golf. Starting this business with a small
budget and a big dream has been one of the most rewarding things I have done. From building
lesson plans and designing a website to creating a logo and marketing materials, every part of
this process has taught me something new about leadership, business, and self-belief.
Looking ahead, my goal is to grow My First Swings into a trusted name for junior golf
development. I want to build a community where parents feel confident in the coaching their kids
receive, and where young golfers look forward to every lesson. I believe golf has the power to
shape a child’s character, teaching lessons about integrity, focus, and perseverance that last a
lifetime.
Starting this business has reminded me why I fell in love with the game in the first place. It’s not
about perfect scores or trophies. It’s about the feeling you get when you hit that one clean shot,
the one that reminds you why you started. That’s what I want every kid who steps onto the range
with me to feel. Because sometimes, one swing really can change everything.