At Youth on Course, we believe in the power of opportunity—and we know that when young women have access to resources, support, and community, they thrive. Women’s History Month is a chance to honor the trailblazers who broke barriers in sports and to celebrate the young women who are carrying that legacy forward on the course, in the classroom, and beyond.
With over 50% of our team identifying as female, we are proud to be part of a movement that champions women—not just in golf, but across all areas of life. This month, we’re highlighting a few of our remarkable members and alumni who represent the future of the game.
For Annika Borrelli, golf has always been more than a sport—it’s a lifelong passion that’s taken her around the world. Now playing professionally on the Ladies European Tour, Annika looks back on Youth on Course as a crucial stepping stone in her journey.
“Youth on Course gave me the accessibility to play courses in my area and grow the game that I love,” she says. One unforgettable memory was playing at Poppy Hills with her high school teammates—many of them stepping onto that course for the first time. That moment of connection and excitement is something Annika will always carry with her.
Her greatest influence? Her mom. “She made me the person I am and still guides me today,” Annika shares. Her mom’s support, along with the opportunities afforded by Youth on Course, helped her achieve her dream of playing collegiate golf at UC Berkeley and the University of San Francisco—and now, to live out her dream as a professional golfer.
For Carol Yan, Women’s History Month is about reflection, gratitude, and celebrating the women who inspire her—including her mom and sister. “They’ve always been by my side,” Carol says. “My mom’s positivity and work ethic have shaped how I approach my goals.”
Carol joined Youth on Course at 11, and affordable access to the game opened doors to unforgettable experiences, including playing in a PGA Tour Pro-Am and attending the Tiger Woods Invitational at Pebble Beach. “Meeting people who share my passion for golf inspired me to keep going,” she says.
She’s proud of overcoming mental hurdles in golf, learning to stay positive no matter the outcome of a round. Carol now has her sights set on collegiate golf and hopes to turn a golf club she co-founded, Golfontop, into a nonprofit to introduce more youth to the sport she loves.
Sophia Waddell grew up surrounded by female golfers who uplifted one another, celebrated each other’s successes, and helped one another grow. For her, Women’s History Month is a chance to appreciate those bonds—and to honor the legacy of players like Nancy Lopez, who inspired her by sharing her early experiences as one of the few girls in golf.
Sophia’s mother has been a guiding light throughout her journey, teaching her that success isn’t just about trophies, but about the relationships and life lessons the game brings. With the support of Youth on Course, Sophia has played courses she once thought out of reach, and her hard work led to a standout moment during the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship when she sank a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole—fist-bumped by pro Jesper Parnevik with the crowd cheering her on.
Looking ahead, Sophia hopes to attend a PGA Professional Golf Management program, earn a business degree, and lead inclusive golf programs that welcome people of all ages and skill levels. She’s passionate about growing the game and giving back.
As we honor Women’s History Month, we celebrate Annika, Carol, Sophia, and so many others who are creating a more inclusive future for golf—and sports in general. Their stories remind us that when girls are given the chance to lead, to compete, and to dream, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
To close out our celebration, we’re shining a spotlight on a leader within our own Youth on Course team who is helping shape the future of women in sports.
When we asked Moe, Chief Strategy Officer, about her hopes for the future of women’s sports, her message was clear and powerful:
“My hope for women in sports has always been to see them elevate one another, challenge the status quo, and refuse to settle. In my 20+ years in athletics, I have experienced firsthand the opportunities that can happen when women commit to their craft and put in the work. But this is just the beginning, and I am thrilled to see even more women take their rightful seat at the table.”
At Youth on Course, we share that vision—and we’re proud to walk alongside Moe and countless other women who are working to create a more equitable, empowering, and exciting future for all.
Let’s keep breaking barriers, together.