Sophia L. held a golf club for the very first time at seven-years-old. Hoping to nurture a budding love for the game, her dad had brought her and her older sister to their local golf range. After nearly twenty attempts to hit the ball, the girls decided that their only budding interest was in picking the flowers around the range, not the game of golf.
Eleven years later, Sophia again holds a golf club – this time a little bigger, the grip sized to her hands – and on a much bigger stage, the Women’s U.S. Open. Her focus is now on the green of the course as opposed to the green of the flowers. Playing alongside some of her idols – Hyo Joo Kim, Lydia Ko, and Sung Hyun Park – Sophia lived her first dream come true, a culmination of years of hard work, open doors, and the right support systems.
Qualifying for the Women’s U.S. Open was a feat that began when Sophia was still in school. When the pandemic hit, she pursued a program that would help her realize her individual success both academically and athletically. It was in 2020 that Sophia joined Visions’ University Prep Academy, where the help from her teachers and the flexibility to pursue her passion of golf supported her to get to where she is today, a Division 1 golfer and a U.S. Open competitor.
Not only did Visions allow her the flexibility to perfect her golfing skills, but it opened up several other opportunities for Sophia to expand on her academic career. While attending Visions, Sophia was involved in the UC Davis STEM Program, California Scholarship Federation, Find Your Voice, Yearbook, and violin lessons through one of Visions’ many Enrichment Vendors.
“My time at Visions was wonderful,” shared Sophia. “It allowed me the time and balance to perform my schoolwork and extracurricular activities, including golf and music.”
Visions supports students to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Despite the limits the pandemic could have placed in front of Sophia during a pivotal time in her academic and athletic career, she was able to find success both in school and on the course.
She specifically noted the support of her teachers, highlighting her freshman homeroom and Honors English teacher Mrs. Grassinger, explaining “she helped me grow accustomed to a new learning environment and was always there when I needed help.” Additionally, she gave a shout-out to her sophomore through senior year homeroom teacher Mr. VandenAkker, whom she stated “was very supportive and accommodating to my needs of balancing my schoolwork and extracurricular activities.” Upon reflecting on her time at Visions, she gave thanks and gratitude for all the teachers who helped her along the way. “In fact, I would like to give thanks to all of my teachers including Mrs. Russell, Mr. Weathers, Ms. Allen, Ms. Graulty, Mr. Enos, Ms. Magennis, Mrs. Brantley, Mr. Dunn, Ms. Lewis, Mrs. Wetzel, Mr. Corniola, Ms. Stoneking, Mrs. Dosher, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Nunez-Babb, Mrs. Singley, Mr. Fisk, Ms. Darling, Mr. Bisio, Ms. Winalski, and Ms. McKinnis, who have all been very helpful and supportive of me during my time at Visions.”
Upon graduating from Visions in 2024, Sophia is preparing to join the Women’s Golf team at Sacramento State University, a “Women’s U.S. Open competitor” title already on her athletic resume.
“Playing in the U.S. Open was such an amazing experience. It was really an eye opening experience to compete at that professional level. It allowed me the opportunity to realize what I need to continue to work on [in] my own game, including strength training and fitness, as well as looking for opportunities to practice on faster and firmer greens.”
Looking to the future, Sophia eagerly awaits the opportunity to make a positive impact on the women’s golf program at Sacramento State and hopes to gain the experience and skills necessary to play as a professional on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tour.
“Visions has provided me with the opportunity to better manage my own time. It has also allowed me the flexibility to practice and work on my golf game,” reflects Sophia.
When asked what advice she would offer to other students, Sophia shared the importance of staying connected with your support system and teachers.
“Communicate with your teachers. They are always there to help you and they won’t judge you,” shared Sophia.
Today, Sophia’s parents attend every single one of her tournaments, both sisters in tow. A long way from flower picking, Sophia’s pursuit of excellence in both the classroom and on the course are a prime example of the success that can be achieved when students are granted the support and flexibility to own their goals.
