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Incoming Freshman Andie Smith Honored by AJGA
12/3/2021 10:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
DURHAM – Duke University women's golf incoming freshman Andie Smith was named one of two recipients of the USGA-AJGA Presidents' Leadership Award this week, which was announced by the USGA and American Junior Golf Association (AJGA).
The USGA-AJGA Presidents' Leadership Award honors one male and one female junior golfer annually who demonstrate leadership, character and community service through their involvement with the Leadership Links program: a joint initiative founded by the USGA and AJGA in 2005 to further develop junior golfers through volunteerism.
Tommy First of Nashville, Tenn., was also selected as the male recipient of the award.
"Tommy and Andie's extraordinary desire to serve others provides a source of aspiration that the entire game of golf can strive toward, The USGA-AJGA Presidents' Leadership Award serves as an important annual reminder that the game's future is in good hands.," said USGA President Stu Francis.
In 2021, Smith used Leadership Links and the AJGA's State Cup Series to organize and run the Atlantic Cup to raise money for Charity Water and the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant Program. From start to finish, Smith was involved in the entire event. She recruited 24 players to participate and fundraise and called 30 different golf courses to secure a venue. On top of that, $15,250 of the $71,000 raised in total came from Smith's fundraising.
Smith's dedication to helping others was honored through the Congressional Award, which aims to recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in young people. It is the highest honor given out by Congress for youth service. She has also received awards for her many hours of volunteer service.
In addition to the Atlantic Cup, Smith traveled with the 2021 Jerry Cole Sportsmanship Award recipient Rafe Cochran to Jamaica to paint a newly built schoolhouse and provide school supplies for its students.
"I had the chance to work with her and she is certainly the real deal," said AJGA Director of Youth Development Beth Dockter. "None of the other girls on the list are close to her volunteer work."
When Smith was young, she lost her father suddenly. His influence on her life continues to this day as he taught her how to play golf and instilled in her an incredible work ethic. She uses giving back as a way to keep his memory alive and connect with him.
"My father always reminded me of the importance of giving back to the community," said Smith. "I wish he could see how far I have come since he passed almost six years ago. He is my motivation to always strive to be better for my family and community."
Smith signed with the Blue Devils in November and will be attending Duke in the fall of 2022.
#GoDuke
The USGA-AJGA Presidents' Leadership Award honors one male and one female junior golfer annually who demonstrate leadership, character and community service through their involvement with the Leadership Links program: a joint initiative founded by the USGA and AJGA in 2005 to further develop junior golfers through volunteerism.
Tommy First of Nashville, Tenn., was also selected as the male recipient of the award.
"Tommy and Andie's extraordinary desire to serve others provides a source of aspiration that the entire game of golf can strive toward, The USGA-AJGA Presidents' Leadership Award serves as an important annual reminder that the game's future is in good hands.," said USGA President Stu Francis.
There's not many out there doing the work that Andie has done. pic.twitter.com/bBqK18XFhW
— AJGA (@AJGAGolf) December 2, 2021
In 2021, Smith used Leadership Links and the AJGA's State Cup Series to organize and run the Atlantic Cup to raise money for Charity Water and the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant Program. From start to finish, Smith was involved in the entire event. She recruited 24 players to participate and fundraise and called 30 different golf courses to secure a venue. On top of that, $15,250 of the $71,000 raised in total came from Smith's fundraising.
Smith's dedication to helping others was honored through the Congressional Award, which aims to recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in young people. It is the highest honor given out by Congress for youth service. She has also received awards for her many hours of volunteer service.
In addition to the Atlantic Cup, Smith traveled with the 2021 Jerry Cole Sportsmanship Award recipient Rafe Cochran to Jamaica to paint a newly built schoolhouse and provide school supplies for its students.
"I had the chance to work with her and she is certainly the real deal," said AJGA Director of Youth Development Beth Dockter. "None of the other girls on the list are close to her volunteer work."
When Smith was young, she lost her father suddenly. His influence on her life continues to this day as he taught her how to play golf and instilled in her an incredible work ethic. She uses giving back as a way to keep his memory alive and connect with him.
"My father always reminded me of the importance of giving back to the community," said Smith. "I wish he could see how far I have come since he passed almost six years ago. He is my motivation to always strive to be better for my family and community."
Smith signed with the Blue Devils in November and will be attending Duke in the fall of 2022.
#GoDuke
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