2026 Foundation Cup Junior Athletes
Meet your fourth group member! All juniors are fundraising to raise money for the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation. Visit their personal fundraising page linked in their bio to help your junior meet their fundraising goal and win a prize! Don’t know who your junior player is yet? Contact Camille Mahlknecht at cmahlknecht@scga.org to find out!
Joshlyn Ayala
Hi, my name is Joshlyn, and I recently graduated from Cal State LA, where I played on the women’s golf team. I first started playing golf because of my dad, who taught me the game and would bring me along to hit balls with my brother. I love golf because of the challenge and the mental side of the game. There is always that one great shot that keeps you coming back. My golf mentor is Lizette Salas. We come from similar Mexican backgrounds, and she is someone I can relate to and lean on for advice. My favorite course to play is Sandpiper, and my favorite club in the bag is my putter. Off the course, I volunteer with the SCGA and the Latina Golfers Association, and I also enjoy drawing and animating short stories. As I begin the next chapter of my journey, I plan to pursue professional golf while continuing to give back to the game that has given me so much.
Zebulon Barnes
Index: 1.8
Hi, I’m Zebulon, and I’m a sophomore at Lincoln University of Missouri, where I study Business Administration and compete on the men’s golf team. Over the past year, balancing college golf and academics has taught me the importance of discipline, consistency, and the development of good habits. One of my proudest accomplishments was earning Dean’s List honors, a goal I had worked toward for many years. Off the course, I enjoy giving back through SCGA Junior and mentoring younger golfers, because I know firsthand the impact the game and the SCGA community can have on a young person. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a career in business or real estate while continuing to grow as a golfer and leader.
Kingston Cao
Index: +0.2
My name is Kingston and in the fall I’ll be a senior at LA County High School for the Arts. I first started playing golf at a very young age and my dad taught me how to play, but I first started taking lessons over the pandemic and fell in love. My golf mentor is my coach Eddie Kim– he always finds something good in every shot and he helps me keep my cool every shot no matter good or bad. I love the game because it’s so different from every other sport. Every course and shot is different and you have to adapt to the conditions. I also love that you are accountable for your game and can’t blame anyone else. My favorite course that I’ve played is LACC and my favorite club is my driver. Off the course, I’m a pianist and I hope to study and continue pursing that in college. I’m also interested in law and may consider that as a career path in college. Thank you for having me again I can’t wait to play with you!
Jose Chavez
Index: 5.4
I’m Jose and this fall I’ll be attending Cerritos College. Golf has taught me the importance of patience, accountability, and thinking through challenges before making decisions. Through SCGA Junior, I’ve had the opportunity to build lifelong friendships, volunteer more than 100 hours, and experience some incredible moments, from working the SCGA Amateur to playing at Los Angeles Country Club. The game has shown me that relationships and how you carry yourself matter just as much as your score. I’m excited for this next chapter and look forward to continuing to give back to the game and the community that has given me so much.
Alysa Davis
Index: 5
My name is Alysa and in the fall, I’ll be a freshman at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. I first started playing golf by complete chance. I remember seeing a golf course for the first time and it made me curious to try it at 5 years old. I love golf because everything constantly changes and because of the connections I’ve been able to make. The same course can offer a new challenge every day and I also love how golf can help you meet new people and have new experiences. My golf mentor is Jenny Bethune, she’s helped me a lot and has provided countless opportunities from the Tee Divas Tee Dudes program and I’m forever grateful. My favorite course that I’ve played has been TPC Sawgrass and my favorite club in the bag is my putter. Off the course, I like to volunteer and take care of my family members. In the future, I hope to someday become an LPGA Professional and also attend law school.
Mitzi Duarte
Index: +3.2
Hi members! My name is Mitzi and in the fall, I’ll be a junior at UC Riverside playing on the women’s golf team. I first started playing golf when my aunt and cousins would take me to the range and it got me hooked. I love golf because of the connections I have been able to make on and off the course and it’s a great time to get to know someone while playing. My golf mentor is my friend Rachel, she has watched me grow and has meant a lot to me throughout middle school and high school especially during my college recruitment process. My favorite course that I’ve played is Hillcrest CC and my favorite club in the bag is my putter. Off the course, I watch a lot of movies and stay active playing volleyball or pickleball. In the future, I hope to turn professional or work in the sports industry. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.
Audrey Flores
Index: 3.9
My name is Audrey and in the fall I’ll be entering the 9th grade at Ramona HS. I first started playing golf when I was 6 years old when my dad’s friend first gave me a putter. I love this sport because it keeps me in nature and getting to play beautiful courses is really cool. My golf mentor is my dad, he encourages me all the time and always makes time to take me to practice and to all my tournaments. My favorite course that I’ve played is the Catalina golf course and my favorite club in the bag is my 7-iron. Off the course I participate in band playing the clarinet and I also like to watch baseball. In the future, I hope to play professionally on the LPGA Tour.
Leah Garcia
Index: 1.8
Age 18
Leah attends Mt. San Antonio College where she plays on the Women’s Golf team. Leah has been a long-time member of SCGA Junior in the SELA PYD region and what she loves most about golf is being able to spend time with her dad and being able to make new friends. In the future, she hopes to open her own training facility for golf and boxing.
Marie Hines
Index: 1.8
My name is Marie, and in the fall, I’ll be a senior in high school. I first started playing golf in 2023. I love golf because I get to meet new friends. Playing at different golf courses grows my technical skills. My great-grandfather played golf, and we talk about the game. My golf mentors are my SCGA Junior coaches, Pratima and Alegra. Off the course, I like to sing in the church choir and be a camp counselor at Morach camps. In the future, I hope to become a social worker or a teacher. I love working with children.
Josiah Joseph
Index: 10
My name is Josiah and in the fall I’ll be a sophomore at Grambling State University where I’m on the track team. SCGA Junior has profoundly shaped my life both on and off the course. I first started with SCGA Junior when I was 7 and not only did I find a sport that I loved, but also found a supportive community that fostered lifelong friendships and personal growth. At Grambling State I study psychology with the hopes of combining my passion for psychology and philanthropy to become a sports psychologist to help support athlete’s mental health and give back to my community. Thank you for having me, I can’t wait to play with you.
Khivi Kaur
Index: +0.7
my name is Khivi and in the fall I’ll be a freshman at Cal State Monterey Bay playing on the women’s golf team. I first started playing golf because my dad played and he wanted me to try it out, so I started doing classes with the first tee and SCGA Junior. I ended up really liking it, so I continued to play. My dad was the first one to teach me to play and he’s helped me throughout my junior golf career. He’s my golf mentor; I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all that I have if it weren’t for him and I’m excited to keep working hard with his guidance. I love golf because of the environment. Being around fresh air and nature as well as being around friends who also love the game makes practicing and playing more fun and I also love the challenge of trying new shots and learning new techniques. My favorite course that I’ve played is Lakewood CC and my favorites club in the bag are my gap wedge and putter. Off the course, I also do horseback riding and play the harmonium. In the future, I hope to play professionally on the LPGA Tour.
Evan Kim
Index: 17.8
Hi, I’m Evan, and in the Fall, I’ll be a freshman at North Hollywood High School. I started playing golf when I was 5 with my mom. We got into it after COVID, and over time, we both ended up loving the game. I grew to love golf because it gave me opportunities to play at amazing new courses. Through golf, I’ve also met a lot of different people and built connections with others who share the same passion for the game. I like how golf is both competitive and social at the same time, and it’s helped me become more confident, disciplined, and comfortable meeting new people. Off the course, I play volleyball and archery. One of my career goals is to become a real estate agent. I enjoy meeting new people and building connections. Thank you for having me and I can’t wait to play with you.
Nataliya Laciste
Index: +1.2
My name is Nataliya, and this fall I’ll be transferring to California State University, Los Angeles, where I’ll continue my education as a communications major and compete on the Women’s Golf Team. I hope to pursue a career in sports broadcasting and am already working with the athletic department to gain hands-on experience.
This past year taught me a lot about perseverance. Adjusting to college life, balancing academics with collegiate golf, and living away from home for the first time was challenging, but it helped me develop stronger time management skills and become more disciplined both on and off the course.
The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation has played a huge role in my journey. Without the Foundation’s support, attending college and continuing my golf career would have been much more difficult. Being an SCGA Foundation Scholar is an honor because I get to represent an organization that has given me incredible opportunities, lifelong friendships, and a love for the game. I enjoy staying involved by volunteering with SCGA Junior whenever I can, including helping organize apparel for spring programs and assisting at the coaches meeting at Don Knabe Golf Center.
Thank you for supporting the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation. I’m excited for the opportunity to spend the day with you and can’t wait to play together!
Alejandro Pedroza
Index: 2.8
Hi, my name is Alejandro and in the fall I’ll be in the 11 grade at iLead Hybrid Exploration Charter School. I first started playing golf when I was 6 years old when my dad introduced me to the game. He taught me the basics and continues to help and support my growth in the game. I love golf because of the competition, and I love feeling the pressure when put in a difficult situation out on the course. My favorite course that I’ve played is Hillcrest CC and my go to club is my 8-iron. Off the course I participate in a Latin American dance group and in the future I hope to go into environmental engineering or a firefighter. Thank you for having me I can’t wait to play with you.
Adrian Rodriguez
Index: 6.9
Hi members, my name is Adrian, and I’ll be a Junior at La Serna High School in the fall. I started playing golf when my dad introduced me to the game, and I love playing with friends and competing. My older brother, Andrew, is my golf mentor. Off the course, I enjoy playing soccer and chess. In the future, I want to work for a technology company. Thank you so much for having me. I’m very excited to play with you!
Andrew Rodriguez
Index: +2.8
Age 18
In the fall, Andrew will be a senior at La Serna HS and is also committed to play Division 1 college golf at Fresno State University. He loves golf because he loves to compete and play new golf courses all over the country. In the future, Andrew hopes to either play golf professionally on the PGA Tour or have a career in business.
Adriel Sajor
Index: 19.1
Age 14
Hi, my name is Adriel and in the fall I will be in the 10th grade at Gahr High School. I first started playing golf because of my dad, he is my golf mentor and teaches me great lessons. I love golf because I get to play it with friends and family, it’s also really satisfying to hit perfect shots out on the course. My favorite course to play is Skylinks golf course and my favorite club in the bag is my 7 iron. Other than golf I like to snowboard, surf, and play basketball. In the future, I hope to someday pursue a career in the medical field and become a sports medicine physician. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.
Atticus Sajor
Index: 1.5
Age 18
Hello, my name is Atticus and in the fall, I’ll be a freshman at Cal State Fullerton. I first started playing golf because my parents wanted me to play a sport at a young age. My dad took me to the range and it clicked. My golf mentor is my dad, he has sacrificed a lot for me to play and compete in tournaments and he’s guided me throughout my journey. I love golf because it’s unpredictable, every round is different, even on the same course. My Favorite course to play is LACC and my go to club is my driver. Off the course I DJ and go by the name DJ Swing. I also play chess online and in person. Thank you for having me.
Jonah Siu
Index: 1.3
Age 18
Jonah is heading into his sophomore year at Pepperdine University where he studies Sports Psychology. What he loves most about golf is being able to spend quality time on the course with his friends and family. In the future, Jonah hopes to pursue a career as a sports psychologist.
Diego Soto
Index: 6.8
Hi members, my name is Diego, and I’m currently attending the University of California, Irvine, where I’m pursuing a degree in business. I’m interested in a career in either investment banking or medical device sales, and I’m always looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge and gain real-world experience.
This past year, I’ve balanced a full course load while working up to 30 hours a week, which has taught me the importance of time management, discipline, and staying organized. Along with school and work, I’ve stayed involved in a business finance club and volunteered with the “Understand the Grind” Foundation, helping provide opportunities for young athletes in San Diego.
Being an SCGA Foundation Scholar means a great deal to me because it has allowed me to focus on my education while staying connected to the game that has shaped my life. I enjoy giving back through SCGA Junior events and had the opportunity to play with Foundation supporter Ron Gray last year, which was a memorable experience. Building relationships with donors and sharing the impact of the Foundation is something I truly value.
Thank you for supporting the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in my college journey, and I’m excited for the opportunity to spend the day with you!
Sophia Soto
Index:
Hi members, my name is Sophia, and I’m a student-athlete at the University of California, Riverside, where I compete on the Women’s Golf Team. I’m majoring in Philosophy/Law and Society, and I plan to attend law school and pursue a career as a sports agent, sports broadcaster, or in sports marketing.
Balancing Division I golf with academics has taught me a great deal about time management and perseverance. Between classes, practices, workouts, tournaments, and studying, I’ve learned how to stay organized while continuing to grow both on and off the course. This past season was especially exciting because I had a breakthrough in my golf game, and I’m looking forward to building on that success over the next few years.
The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation has been a huge part of my journey. Beyond the financial support, it has introduced me to incredible mentors, lifelong friends, and a community that truly believes in my goals. I enjoy staying involved with SCGA Junior whenever I can and have also volunteered in my local community, working with young children through creative arts programs.
Thank you for supporting the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation. Your generosity allows students like me to pursue our education while continuing to compete in the game we love. I’m excited to spend the day with you and share more about my journey!
Austin Vega
Index: 4.8
Hi my name is Austin and in the fall I’ll be entering my junior
year at La Serna HS. I first started playing golf because my brother was playing and I wanted to try it too. My dad first taught me the game and then I started taking lessons with SCGA Junior. My golf mentor is coach Eric with SCGA Junior, he’s been my coach for the entirety of my golf journey and has taught me a lot. I love golf because I love how the challenge that every round brings. My favorite course that I’ve played is Pebble Beach and my go to club is my 7-iron. Off the course, I like to play basketball, and, in the future, I hope to own my own business or help my brother start his golf company.
Dallas Vega
Index: 3.4
Age 18
Hello, my name is Dallas and in the fall, I’ll be entering my
freshman year at Long Beach State studying graphic design. I first started playing golf because I wanted to try a new sport and I was introduced to SCGA Junior when I was just 4 years old. I love golf because of the lifelong friendships that I’ve been able to make and also it’s fun to try and conquer a difficult game. My golf mentor is SCGA Junior coach Eric Koscielak, he’s been with me since the very beginning, and look up to him for both golf and life advice. My favorite course that I’ve played is Bel-Air CC and my favorite club in the bag is my driver. Off the course I create art and play Pickle Ball. In the future, I hope to someday start my own golf company and I’m off to a great start creating the design for this year’s Foundation Cup headcover give away.