The 29-year-old Arlington resident and Orlando, Fla., native is a former golf pro who, after five years, left the game to work for an environmental nonprofit. Next month, she’s hoping to get back into the game with an appearance on “Big Break Atlantis,” a Golf Channel reality show with an all-female cast. The winner gets a spot in an LPGA event this year; the show begins airing May 14.
What’s your background in golf?
I started playing when I was 17 or 18 — my dad tried to get me into it when I was younger, and I thought it was boring. But then I went to a driving range, and it came pretty easy to me. I’d see kids with golf bags, and it inspired me to be on a college team. But within a year of playing golf, I eventually got a full scholarship to Daytona State [College] and then get recruited to Mississippi State on a full scholarship. Right after college I turned pro. I spent the past five years playing professionally in between a million different jobs.
What made you leave the sport?
I got completely frazzled and burnt out. I wanted to focus my energy and time on interests like the environment and helping people — I’m a foster care mentor in Anacostia.
How did you get on the show?
I auditioned for the show twice when I was playing. I got through the first stage and moved onto the in-person interview — and then decided I was going to take a break from golf. This year, they called me for an audition, and I turned it down. Then I woke up the next day and thought, ‘I just made the dumbest decision ever.’… Two weeks later, I was a semifinalist.
What was participating on the show like?
It was the best experience of my life — even though its 17 days of intense pressure with cameras on you at all times.
