The Hole-in-One Mindset: Why Success Isn’t Just About the Big Moments ⛳🎾

Last week, I hit a hole-in-one. 🎯

Yep. That magical shot. The dream. The celebration. The “did-that-really-just-happen?” moment. And while the shot itself was unforgettable, what made it even more meaningful was playing with close friends. Seeing their pure joy—jumping, cheering, high-fiving—was just as satisfying as the ace itself 🙌💚.

Because success is always better when it’s shared. 👯‍♀️

But here’s the truth: a hole-in-one doesn’t make me a better golfer. Just like getting a scholarship offer or winning a big junior tournament doesn’t automatically make you a great college athlete 🏆.

As a college recruiting agent and former coach, I see this all the time—families chasing the highlight reel moments 📸. But college coaches aren’t just looking for the player who hits the winning shot. They’re watching how you warm up. How you support your teammates. How you bounce back after a loss. They're recruiting the whole person—not just the big moments 👀💬.

The athletes who thrive in college tennis are the ones who:

✅ Love the process

✅ Stay coachable

✅ Lead with character

✅ Work hard even when no one is watching

So yes—celebrate the big wins. They’re exciting and well-earned. But never forget: it’s your daily habits, your values, and your attitude that truly separate you 🌱💪.

That hole-in-one was a special moment. But it’s not what defines me. And it won’t define you either.

Keep showing up. Keep growing. 🌟That’s what college coaches notice.

#HoleInOne #CollegeRecruiting #CollegeTennis #BeyondTheHighlightReel #CharacterCounts #NCAA #ITA

Hole in One!

🎓🎾

Where Do I Start?

UGA Women's Tennis 2025 NCAA Champions

“When Should We Start the College Search?” A Guide for Parents of Student-Athletes

One of the most common questions I hear from parents is: “How do we know when to start the college search?” There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but the best place to start isn’t with rankings or scholarships. It starts with your child.

Before looking at athletic programs, conferences, or divisions, ask your athlete the most important question of all: “Is this something you really want to pursue at the collegiate level?”

💡 You Don’t Need to Be a “Freak Athlete” to Compete in College

The great news? Your child doesn't need to be an Olympic hopeful to enjoy competing in college. There are a wide range of options:

• NCAA Division I – Often seen as the most competitive level, with the biggest budgets, top-tier facilities, and high expectations. Many athletes here have pro aspirations, and now benefit from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities in addition to full scholarships.

  
  

• Division II and III – Offer a balance of competition and academics. D3 schools, in particular, don’t offer athletic scholarships, but can provide generous academic and merit aid.

  
  

• NAIA and Junior Colleges – Great stepping stones with solid coaching, playing time, and opportunities to grow both athletically and academically.

  
  

But rather than obsess over divisions and rankings, start with something more personal.

🧭 Start with the Athlete: Who Are They, and Who Do They Want to Be?

I’ve seen many families make the wrong decision because they approached the search backward — starting with the school or division instead of the athlete’s goals and identity.

This happens with academically gifted students too, but when you add athletics to the equation, things get even murkier. The pressure to perform on both fronts can be intense.

That’s why I encourage every family to take a step back and reflect honestly.

✅ Questions to Ask Your Student-Athlete

Use these questions as conversation starters with your child:

• What do you love about your sport?

• Are you willing to sacrifice parts of the “normal” college experience to compete?

• Can you handle the academic pressure while managing your athletic responsibilities?

• Do you want that kind of pressure?

• What are your non-negotiables when choosing a school (e.g., location, academics, team culture)?

• Do you value individual development or team success more?

• Would you still want to attend this school if the coach left?

• Do you want a balance between athletics and academics, or does one take priority?

• Are you okay with not starting your first year?

• What kind of coaching style helps you thrive? (Direct, calm, loud, supportive, demanding, etc.)

• Do you connect with the current team culture?

• Do you want to build something or join a program that’s already established?

These questions aren’t just about sports — they’re about identity, priorities, and purpose.

🛑 Sometimes the Answer Is “No” — And That’s OK

After this honest assessment, you may realize college athletics isn’t the right path — and that’s perfectly okay.

Too many student-athletes, especially at the higher levels where scholarships are involved, are pushed into collegiate sports as a means to an end — to “pay the bills” or justify years of investment. But when the motivation isn’t aligned, the emotional and mental toll can be steep.

The college journey should be rooted in your child’s genuine passion, goals, and self-awareness — not in pressure, pride, or financial trade-offs.

📍 Final Thoughts

The college search should begin when your child is ready to reflect seriously on what they want out of their sport, their education, and their future. It's never too early to start the conversation — but make sure the athlete is in the driver’s seat.

And if you’re still unsure? That’s where trusted guidance makes a difference. Whether you're navigating D1 pressure or looking for the right fit at a D3 school, I help families and athletes build a strategy that supports the whole person, not just the player.

Let’s talk — I offer free consultations to help you get clear on your next steps.

Reflecting on 50: Honoring a Legacy of Teamwork, Sacrifice, and Helping Future Players Build Something Special

Reflecting on Greatness: The Legacy of UGA Women’s Tennis (1992–1996)

After spending over 33 years in college athletics—as a player, coach, and now recruiter—I’m beginning to fully appreciate just how special it was to be part of the University of Georgia Women’s Tennis team from 1992 to 1996.

During that time, we achieved something extraordinary. We won three national team titles—one outdoor NCAA Championship and two National Indoor titles. We were the first UGA women’s team to win the NCAA team title, and we had the privilege of doing it right at home in Athens, in front of more than 3,000 fans chanting “Go Dawgs!” It’s a moment that still gives me chills—a sound and a feeling none of us will ever forget.

Our success went far beyond team accomplishments. We also won two NCAA doubles titles—Angela Lettiere and Michele Anderson took the National Indoor title, and Stacy Sheppard and myself claimed the National Clay Courts crown. Angela Lettiere added an NCAA singles title to her incredible résumé, and we captured one SEC team title as well. At one point, all six of our starting players were ranked in the top 100 nationally, with two doubles teams ranked in the top five.

When you're in the thick of it—grinding day after day—you don’t always realize you’re part of something bigger. You’re focused on the next game, the next drill, the next challenge. But hitting 50 has given me a rare moment to pause, reflect, and truly take in what we built together.

It wasn’t always perfect. Far from it. There were hard days—setbacks, sacrifices, moments when the weight of it all felt unbearable. There was real blood, sweat, and tears poured into this journey. But that’s what makes it real. That’s what gives it meaning.

What we accomplished wasn’t just about wins or trophies. It was about character. It was about resilience. It was about showing up for each other day in and day out, no matter the circumstances. And none of it—absolutely none of it—would have been possible without every single person who stood alongside me: my teammates who gave their all, the coaches who never stopped believing, the strength and conditioning team who pushed us to our limits, and the athletic trainers who kept us going when our bodies tried to quit.

Hopefully, I have—and can continue to—help future players find a place where they too can build something special. You don’t have to win titles to walk away with the experience of a lifetime. The trophies are great, but the real memories are found in the people and the journey—the highs and the lows, the bonds forged through adversity, and the moments that shape who we become.

We didn’t just build a program—we built a legacy. One rooted in loyalty, grit, and heart. And no matter where life takes us, that legacy lives on in every single one of us.