Four years ago, I was looking for colleges that supported women’s golf, and Suffolk University was one of few that did. I went onto the GoSuffolkRam’s website, found Coach Jay Parker’s contact information, and sent him an email; not thinking much of it after. Commitment day rolled around, I sent in my deposit and was officially a Suffolk Ram. Later in the summer, I got a call from a Boston number, and for some reason decided to answer. Coach Parker told me about the program and all the perks that came with it and by the end of the call I was in.  

I wasn’t a recruited player like my teammates were, but after that call with Coach Parker, I wanted to spend all my time in perfecting my swing, sinking my putts, and smashing my drives. But of course, the infamous pandemic caused me to put these goals of mine on the backburner.

These past four years I’ve learned a great deal from Coach Parker. It was a rough start for me coming onto a college team where I knew no one and could barely hit the ball two feet in front of me. I did not play my freshman year; however, Coach Parker never gave up on me. I went from shooting 120s my first college debut my sophomore year to mid 80s my senior year. That’s an almost 40 stroke difference.  

Coach Parker doesn’t stop being a coach or mentor the moment we step off the course. He is always there for each and every one of us the minute we need him. He has done more for myself and my teammates than expected as a coach. He even sits in the hour-long Boston traffic for us! 

My time on his team has taught me how to be a better golfer, teammate, friend, and person. The team dynamic and my fellow teammates have allowed me to open up as a person and grow from my experiences. I am so honored to have been a part of such a hardworking and dedicated team. 

In my last year, I was appointed one of three captains, with which I shared with my fellow seniors Isabel Smith and Ellie Yarborough. This accomplishment and appointment were a great achievement for me, as I felt that my hard work and perseverance paid off.  

In moments of weakness on the course, which I’ve had many, Coach Parker was always there to lift you back up. He understands the frustrations and mental toll golf can take, but he never lets that have advantage over you and supports your every step of the way.  

A core memory I will always cherish on this team is winning the 2024 Northeast Women's Golf Championship (NWGC) and automatically qualifying for the NCAA Division III Championships. This was such an amazing accomplishment and milestone to be a part of. This was the first time Suffolk women's golf attended the NCAA in progrma history and I am beyond honored to be a part of it. 

Being a Ram means being a part of a team that sees your ups and downs and to never give up on yourself or your team. There will be many successes, but there will also be many failures, and it’s what you make of these experiences that makes you a better player, teammate, and person.  

To my teammates, I am beyond proud of each and every one of you: Isabel (Smith), Brooke (Bugajewski), Ella (Torsleff), and Ellie (Yarbrough). My last year on this team was one of the best years of my athletic colligate career and I am so happy and proud to say I got to spend it with you amazing girls! 

To the incoming freshman, I hope you have just as great an experience as I did and are able to make core memories like I have. Good luck with all your future endeavors while on this team and your time at Suffolk. This team and program have come a long way since I’ve joined, and I hope to be able to watch it continue to grow.  

Best for last, to Coach Parker, thank you for taking a chance on me and never giving up. Thank you for your continued support and love while on this team. Thank you for teaching me how to be a better golfer and teammate. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me and thank you for being the coach that you were these past four years.