Emily Matthews '22 Recruiting Profile

Growing up in the small town of Swansboro, North Carolina has greatly impacted my personal character and motivations. When I was younger, I played softball, basketball, and volleyball on local recreational and school teams. However, I was continually disappointed in the lack of seriousness and determination of the other girls on my teams. I started playing golf when I was in sixth grade because I wanted to do something that was independent, but also could be a team sport. Playing golf has not only taught me a great deal about life, but also a great deal about myself. I have learned about my strengths and weaknesses on and off the course through the game of golf.  

My academic career is immensely important to me. In high school I am striving to become a Marshall and a member of the National Honor Society and I am a current member of the National Technical Honor Society. Throughout high school I am taking Honors and Advanced Placement classes and during my Junior and Senior year I will be dually enrolled at Coastal Carolina Community College. In college I plan to major in history and continue my education in Graduate School.  

The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome is the geographic location of Swansboro.  In the crystal coast area, women’s golf is not a promoted sport and finding competitive players my age in this area is difficult.  Once I began playing in tournaments against competitive players my age, I met many other girls, but they live at the closest an hour away.  I continue to practice and play daily and receive lessons twice a week from PGA professional Holden Abrams at Jacksonville Country Club.   

I have good time management skills because the life of a student athlete is very active. Trying to balance golf, challenging classes, and extra curriculars takes a lot of organization and scheduling. Paying close attention to detail is important to me to make sure the task I am doing is completed to my standards. Having strong leadership skills has been a key role in my success academically and athletically. I have been the Yearbook Editor in Chief in high school, captain of the Varsity Ladies Golf team, president of the Photography Club in high school, captain of the middle school volleyball team, Vice President of National Junior Honor Society, and I was a member of the Leaders Can Be Made student development workshop.