GET TO KNOW ME

Dear Reader,

At the age of five, my dad asked if I wanted to try group golf lessons. I said “sure” — not really knowing what I was signing up for. After my very first day of kindergarten, I showed up to that lesson in a long white dress, with no clue the game would take me where I am today.

I started competing when I was seven and “won” my first tournament by shooting a 115 (+61) on a par-3 course — only because I was the only one in my age group. Over the years, I played competitively in junior golf organizations across my home state of Hawai‘i. I won a few times here and there, but honestly, I never pictured golf becoming my passion. At one point, I even wanted to quit — but thanks to my parents, who reminded me of the importance of perseverance, I kept going.

After 13 years at Punahou School, I knew I wanted to explore beyond the islands. I wasn’t chasing a “brand name” school; I just wanted a place where I could grow, study, and continue playing golf at a competitive level. A couple of former high school teammates told me about a small school in Oregon and after meeting with MJ McCloskey, that solidified my decision leading me to George Fox University — and it changed my life.

Over five transformative years with George Fox Women’s Golf, I had opportunities I’ll never take for granted. I competed, I learned, I grew, and I built lifelong friendships. The experiences I’ve had — in the classroom, on the course, and everywhere in between — have prepared me for this next chapter.

Now, as I step into the professional world of golf, I carry those lessons, that resilience, and all of your support with me. 

Thank you for being in my corner. Truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

With love,

A$