In 2023, I began my golf journey while preparing to retire from my government career as Director of IT Services for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. After twenty-seven years of combined military and federal service, I started asking myself a serious question: What am I going to do with myself once I retire? I knew one thing for sure; I wanted to be outside, active, and doing something that made me happy. That’s when golf entered my life.

Like many beginners, I started with what I had, my old 1989 Walmart clubs and booked a lesson with a local pro. Unfortunately, he wasn’t enthusiastic about teaching women and even laughed at my clubs. Instead of feeling discouraged, I used that moment as motivation. I bought new equipment and searched for a female instructor who believed in my potential.

That’s when I met Ashley Grier, PGA, who became my first instructor. Within a month of group lessons, I was hooked. Golf quickly became more than a hobby, it reignited the passion, purpose, and sense of community I’d been missing.

My career has come full circle. I began as a Physical Education teacher, joined the military to earn my master’s degree, and spent a decade traveling the world, leading, and learning. After the military, I transitioned into a leadership role in government IT while raising my daughter. Though my professional path was rewarding, I always missed teaching and coaching. Golf became the perfect way to return to that passion.

Through programs for Veterans like Links to Freedom and PGA HOPE, and with mentorship from outstanding professionals including Ashley Grier, Mike Dickson, Lisa Deel, Madie Volker, and Chris Oleson, I absorbed every piece of knowledge I could. Each provided valuable “nuggets” that shaped both my game and my instructional approach.

In 2024, I began coaching high-school golf and instructing at Middletown High School under Joe Bashford’s direction. That same year, I officially launched APowell Golf & Yoga LLC, built on the belief that golf instruction should connect movement, mindfulness, and overall well-being. Word spread quickly, and women across the community began reaching out for lessons. I realized my role was bigger than instruction, it was about building bridges, creating opportunities for women, and showing that golf is for everyone.

Today, I proudly wear many hats in the golf world: High School Golf Coach, LPGA Professional Apprentice, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Instructor, golf instructor at multiple courses, LPGA Amateurs Baltimore Chapter Instructor, and Veterans Golf Association (VGA) Playing Professional. In 2025, I achieved a major milestone by winning my division in the VGA Women’s C Division for the state of Maryland and qualifying for regionals. That accomplishment reaffirmed how much progress is possible when passion meets perseverance.

The LPGA has given me something I didn’t realize I had been missing since leaving the military: a true sense of community and purpose. Golf reconnected me to my love of teaching, but this time with a deeper mission, to empower others to find strength, confidence, and fulfillment through the game.

As I look toward 2027 and beyond, my goal is to continue expanding and partnering APowell Golf & Yoga LLC, creating inclusive programs for women, juniors, and veterans, and building spaces where every player, regardless of age, ability, or background, feels welcome.  My mission is to combine my background in education, athletics, and wellness to help students of all ages develop confidence, balance, and joy—on and off the course!