Meet the Scholars

The SCGA Junior Scholarship Program is designed to help youth continue their education in college or vocational school. This year, $165,000 will be distributed to 47 students for tuition, room and board, and educational supplies.

 

if you’d like to make a gift to help support our scholars throughout college, please click the link below

 

Class of 2025

Tracy Bryant

El Camino College

Tracy graduated Valley Christian High School and will be continuing his education at El Camino College in the fall. He has been active golf pass member in SCGA Junior and volunteers his time both to SCGA and his local community. His favorite memory of SCGA Junior is getting to meet and spend time with retired PGA professional, Mark Pfeil. 

Yuliana Chavez

UCSD, Livingston Foundation Scholar

Yuliana will be pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the University of California, San Diego. She hopes to help lessen the gender gap in STEM by creating a Women in Computer Science club at her university that partners with K-12 students. Yuliana attributes her passion for uplifting and inspiring others to the coaches in the SCGA Junior program. 

 

Evan Chien

UCLA, Duff Scholar

Evan is headed to the University of California, Los Angeles to study Business Economics. He is working hard to one day achieve his goal of becoming a professional golfer and giving back to the SCGA community. SCGA Junior has given him a strong belief that in golf, success isn’t measured by money, but the positive impact one has and can have on others, specifically helping juniors on the path toward healthy and bright adulthood.

 

Dylan Gass

Grand Canyon University

Dylan will be attending Grand Canyon University this fall, where he plans to study Marketing and Sports Management. There he will continue his golf career on the University’s club golf team. Dylan has been a volunteer in the SCGA Junior Club Outings program and values this experience for the opportunity to play amazing new courses and receive good advice from successful golfers and businessmen.

 

 

Ely Banuelos

Rio Hondo College

Ely will be attending Rio Hondo College in the fall and is passionate about business in the automotive industry. Ely has been involved with SCGA Junior in Norwalk since it’s beginning and has stayed involved as a coach and mentor in his community. His favorite part of being a coach is fostering relationships with the younger kids and getting to watch them succeed.

 

Elisa Gomez

Allegheny College, Deb Long Drive Scholar

Elisa will start her college journey at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania this fall where she will continue playing golf.  She is extremely grateful to her parents and SCGA Junior coaches for their support in her pursuit of collegiate golf. Elisa’s favorite aspect of the SCGA Junior program is the value of community and being connected to such amazing people.

 

 

Lexie Houchens

UCSB

Lexie is headed to the University of California, Santa Barbara to study Psychology and dreams of becoming a child and adolescent physiatrist and mental health advocate. Lexie thanks the SCGA Junior golf program for showing her a whole new world of young female golfers who helped grow her confidence both on and off the course.

Alan Pham

University of Chicago, Copi Cup Scholar

Alan is excited to start working towards a Computer Science degree at University of Chicago in the fall. He plans to use his college education to create artificial intelligence and machine learning technology for everyday life. Alan has been an active golf pass participate and SCGA Junior volunteer for over 7 years. He loves being able to make other people happy with the tools he has been given through the SCGA program. 

 

 

Evan Reyes

Gonzaga, SCGA President’s Scholar

Evan will be attending Gonzaga University in Washington to get his degree in Mechanical Engineering and has been involved with SCGA Junior since he was 7 years old. He believes a strong work ethic and creativity are keys to success both athletically and academically. Evan’s favorite SCGA Junior activities are game days and playing at the SCGA Golf-A-Thon.

Sophia Sandoval

Cal State Los Angeles, Friends of Golf Scholar

Sophia will begin her college education this fall at the Cal State University of Los Angeles. She is passionate about nursing, business, and all things sports. Sophia is very active in our Player and youth development program and having the opportunities for Mentor Play Days, Club outings and getting to meet PGA Professionals.

 

Class of 2024

Derek Ban

Middlebury College

Derek is an Economics Major at Middlebury College. He is a member of the student investment club and volunteers his time as a student tutor. He credits the SCGA Junior Foundation for helping him discover his passion for teaching. Derek is a long-time avid Golf Pass program participant with SCGA Junior and now plays on is College team.

Allyssa Chan

UC Berkeley

Allyssa attends the University of California, Berkeley as a Political Science and Economy Major. In addition to her studies, Allyssa joined a Sorority, Pre-law fraternity and two other clubs on campus! Allyssa has participated in the Golf Pass program and works as a coach for SCGA Junior’s Player and Youth Development program. 

Skylar Graham

University of Southern California

Skylar attends the University of Southern California where she studies Psychology, pulling off a 4.0 in her first semester! She also volunteers at her local golf course as a Safety and Health Ambassador and is a member of two clubs on campus. Skylar stayed involved with SCGA Junior over the past year by attending virtual events and seminars.

 

Kirsten Lindner

Hawaii Pacific University

Kirsten studies Biochemistry and is on the golf team at Hawaii Pacific University. It is her dream to one day become a dentist and own her own practice. When she’s not studying or practicing, you can find Kirsten surfing or swimming at the beach. Kirsten’s favorite SCGA Junior memory was getting a chance to meeting and learn from Nancy Lopez at a fundraising event.

Angel McDuffie

San Diego State University

Angel attends San Diego State University where she majors in Computer Science. Angel attributes her growth in the game of golf to SCGA Junior by being able to play at an affordable rate through use of her Golf Pass and being able to put her skills to the test at the Summer Series club outings.  

Jasmine McDuffie

San Diego State University

Jasmine is pursuing a degree in Computer Science at San Diego State University. She would like to work as a game programmer upon graduating and is passionate about artificial intelligence. Jasmine’s favorite memory with SCGA Junior is the Summer Series program where she was able to play at her now favorite course, General Old.

 

 

Ashleigh Park

University of Texas, Austin

Ashleigh attends the University of Texas and plays on the women’s golf team. She has been an active volunteer with SCGA Junior since she was 12 years old, serving as a role model and mentor to beginner golfers at club outings and girls golf events. She is now a member of the girls’ leadership team as part of our LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Southeast LA chapter.

 

Monique Ramirez

UC Irvine

Monique is majoring in Public Health Policy at the University of California, Irvine. She joined the golf club, archery club and the American Red Cross club and volunteers at Kaiser Permanente Hospital.  Monique was first introduced to SCGA Junior as a sophomore in high school and enjoys staying apart of a supportive community that loves golf.

Ryan Ruaysungoen

Pomona College

Ryan attends Pomona College and is on the men’s golf team. Ryan has been an active Golf Pass member with SCGA Junior and attributes being able to compete at a high level due to the affordable access made possible by the program. Ryan thinks golf allowed him to learned better team communication skills, patience, and perseverance and now teaches young kids the same lessons through coaching.

Shani Waite

Prairie View A&M

Shani is a student athlete at Prairie View A&M where she majors in Criminal Justice, minors in Psychology, and plays on the golf team. Shani has been an active program member since she was eight years old, participating in the Golf Pass, Play Days, and College Prep programs. She is also a member of the leadership team for our LPGA-USGA Girls Golf chapter of Southeast LA. 

Abigail Yang

UC Irvine
Abigail attends the University of California, Irvine. When she’s not studying she works as a tutor and volunteers at her church as a small group leader. Abigail has been a Golf Pass member since 2016 and participated in the educational outings and college prep programming hosted by SCGA Junior.

Alejandro Cortez

Rio Hondo College

Alejandro is an Aerospace Engineering Major at Rio Hondo College. He is a member of the speech and debate club. Alejandro was involved with the Player and Youth Development program and is a golf coach for SCGA Junior. He enjoys being a mentor for younger kids and seeing them improve their golf games.

 

Class of 2023

Nicholas Aguilar

Cal Poly SLO

Nick studies Agricultural and Environmental Plant Sciences at Cal Poly SLO. He recently got a job in this field working for West Coast Arborist. Nick spends his free time working on his golf game, going to the beach, and hiking. And top of it all, Nick stays involved with SCGA Junior as a coach in our Player & Youth Development program.

 

Devin Hernandez

UC Santa Barbara

Devin studies Psychology and Brain Science at UCSB. He is involved in the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics in Science club on campus and aspires to become a research assistant or volunteer at a hospital in the coming year. Devin has volunteered at SCGA Junior for club outings and is thankful to represent the values of the SCGA Junior Foundation as a scholar. 

 

Hannah Hernandez

Cal State Fullerton, 2019 Duff Scholar

Hannah is attending Cal State Fullerton where she majors in Communication Studies and is pursuing a business minor. She hopes to become a Social Media Manager one day. Hannah has been participating in activities with SCGA Junior since she was in middle school and spent many hours volunteering at fundraising events.

 

Jacob Lewis

The Master’s University, 2019 Livingston Foundation Scholar 

Jacob completed his second year at The Master’s University, working towards earning his degree in Kinesiology. He plans to continue his education and eventually get a master’s in physical therapy. Jacob is an avid golfer and served as a coach with our Player & Youth Development program. He and his collegiate golf team also volunteer at homeless shelters for single moms whenever they can.

 

Jasmine Lew

UC Berkeley, 2019 Deb Long Scholar 

Jasmine is at University of California, Berkeley where she is getting her degree in Media Studies. She is a member of the women’s golf team and has been involved with her team members in fundraising for Breast Cancer research, raising more than $20,000 for the cause. Jasmine continues to be involved with SCGA Junior and participated in virtual Girls Golf sessions over the past year.

 

Andres Navarro

Cal State Dominguez Hills

Andres plays golf and studies Business and Finance at Cal State Dominguez Hills. He prides himself on his ability to prioritize and organize his upcoming events, his punctuality and perfect attendance. Andres also volunteered at several SCGA Junior events including club outings and girls golf activities.

 

Emilie Nguyen

Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2019 Presidents’ Scholar

Emilie is getting her degree in Mechanical Engineering at Missouri S&T. She is on the golf team and chief of business and marketing for the Multirotor Robot Design Team. Over the past year, Emilie has volunteered for virtual SCGA Junior Girls Golf events and plans to continue giving back to the SCGA Junior community for as long as she can.

 

Jason Platt

Cal State Fullerton

Jason is a Biology Major at Cal State Fullerton and hopes to be a nurse one day. Along with a full course load, Jason works 6 days a week. Jason also serves as a coach in our Player & Youth Development program and loves watching the junior grow up and love golf.

 

Deanna Roldan

UC San Diego

Deanna is pursuing an Environmental Systems degree from the University of California, San Diego. She writes articles for a student run newsletter called the Climate Change Review and is passionate about improving humanity through science. Deanna started playing golf in middle school with the SCGA Junior Player & Youth Development program and serves on the Girls Golf Leadership Team.

 

Juliette Ruaux

Occidental College, 2019 COPi Cup Scholar 

Juliette studies Biology & Comparative Studies in Language and Culture at Occidental and plays on the women’s golf team. She has also served on the Girls Golf of Southeast LA Girls Leadership Team and has led college tours at Occidental for SCGA Junior. Juliette also takes part in the Occidental School newspaper as well as helping at the LA County Junior Golf Camps.

 

Jetty Sivongsay

Cal State San Bernardino, 2019 Friends of Golf Scholar 

Jetty competes on the men’s golf team at Cal State San Bernardino while majoring in Business Marketing. He is working on picking up a Finance Minor and pursuing a career in sales for one of the leading golf apparel companies. Jetty has volunteered with SCGA Junior at club and educational outings and thanks the foundation for making him the man he is today.

 

Moriah Spann

Cal Baptist University 

Moriah has showed exemplary academic success by completing two graduate level classes as a freshman and earning straight A’s. Moriah has been a long-time volunteer with SCGA Junior, helping at fundraising events and club outings.

 

Elise Sumner

Western Washington University

Elise is attending Western Washington University and competes on women’s golf team while pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. In Fall of 2020 she received the President’s List award for straight A’s! Elise aspires to become a Speech and Language Pathologist. She has been involved with fundraising, volunteering, and Club Outings with SCGA Junior. Her favorite part of SCGA Junior has been working closely with young kids, sharing laughs and smiles on and off the course.

 

Martin Perez

Chapman University

Martin graduated from Cypress High School and will attend Chapman University in the fall. He will study pre-pharmacy. He has been involved with SCGA Junior and has played golf for over eight years. His favorite event from SCGA Junior was the college tour of Occidental College, his first ever college tour. When he is not playing golf, Martin enjoys reading fiction novels and playing various sports such as basketball and volleyball.

 

Class of 2022

Dana Bryant

UC Santa Cruz, Livingston Family Foundation Scholar

Dana studies Psychology with a minor in Biology and plays on the women’s golf team at UC Santa Cruz. She is excited to get back together with her team after months of virtual check ins and solo practice. Dana has begun a mentorship program with the Santa Cruz warriors in hopes of pursuing a career in physical therapy post-graduation. Over the past year she has stayed involved with SCGA Junior by continuing to mentor young girls in golf in a virtual Girls Golf Q &A panel.

 

Darla Christensen

San Diego State University

Darla attends San Diego State University and studies Environmental and Political Science. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend law school and has begun studying for the LSAT. Darla loves being a part of the Women in Science Society Club on campus. She has been involved with SCGA Junior since middle school and plans to continue volunteering now that it is safe to do so.

 

Bairon Gomez

Cal Poly Pomona

Bairon is a studying Civil Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona. He has been an SCGA Junior golf coach for the past two years. Besides coaching, Bairon has stayed active in SCGA Junior by participating in Game Days and the CYO Tournament at Arroyo Seco. Currently Bairon is also employed by Amazon as a Driver.

 

Natalie Gonzalez

Whittier College

Natalie studies Studio Art with a concentration in drawing and painting at Whittier College and is a member of the school’s women’s golf team. Natalie has managed to maintain straight A’s through online learning as well as keep up with golf practices and work outs. She continues to stay active in the SCGA Junior community by coaching and volunteering, teaching young people about college golf.

 

Ami Hamada

Loyola Marymount University

Ami studies Screenwriting at LMU. Her career goal is to work in the film industry, and she has been attending film-making events at school to jump start her career. This past year Ami has also become a member of the Cinematic Arts Fraternity on campus – Sigma Kappa Alpha. Ami stays involved with the SCGA Junior foundation by volunteering at the LPGA-USGA Southeast LA Girls Golf Program, and loves being a role model for young people.

 

Salvador Hinojosa

Whittier College. 2018 Duff Scholar

Sal attends Whittier College, majoring in Sociology while competing on the men’s golf team. Along with working on a senior year research project and practicing his golf game, Sal works at the Wilshire Country Club and volunteers his time. As he looks forward to the coming year, he plans to continue to give back to SCGA Junior by being a mentor and coach for juniors in the program and begin to pursue a career in law enforcement.

 

Calista Reyes

Stanford University, 2018 COPi Cup Scholar

Calista is pursuing a B.S. Engineering- Product Design degree along with an Economics minor from Stanford University. She competes on the women’s golf team and is a member of the Stanford Marketing Group, a consulting club on campus. In addition, Calista works part time at Artemis Consulting firm! Calista has been involved with SCGA Junior through Girls Golf virtual programs and acts as a SCGA Junior Collegiate Mentor.

 

Giovanni Sandoval

Cal State Fullerton

Gio attends Cal State Fullerton where he Majors in Political Science. After graduating he plans on having a career in politics and starting a non-profit! Giovanni stays involved with SCGA Junior as a coach in the Player and Youth Development program. He loves being a role model and good example to the kids in the program, including his two younger sisters.

 

Elizabeth Wang

Harvard University, 2018 SCGA President’s Scholar

Elizabeth graduated from San Marino High School. She will attend Harvard University in the fall and compete on the women’s golf team. She plans on turning professional after receiving her degree. Elizabeth credits the SCGA Junior Golf Pass as a significant part of her success because she could play and practice on several courses at a discounted rate. She also competed in the SCGA Junior ANA Junior Inspiration and has volunteered with the Player and Youth Development program.  Besides playing golf, she enjoys reading and listening to music.

 

Jessica Hernandez

Cal Poly Pomona

Jessica is studying Aerospace Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona. She is the Outreach Officer for the NASA Student Launch Team and enjoys coordinating events with local elementary schools to teach kids about rocket science in an interactive way. She hopes to proudly represent Latina women in a field where they underrepresented. Along with her academic responsibilities, Jessica volunteers with multiple community service organizations and stays involved in SCGA Junior.

 

Diamond Lew

Glendale Community College, 2018 Friends of Golf Scholar

Diamond graduated from North Hollywood High School where he maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his high school career. He has received several honors and awards, including being selected by SCGA Junior to represent Jim Furyk at Nick Faldo’s Major Champions Invitational and to participate in a clinic alongside Dustin Johnson at the annual Friends of Golf event. He has been involved in SCGA Junior as a role model and mentor to beginner golfers and enjoys playing in the Play Days.  Diamond was also selected as the first recipient of the Merrins Legacy Program, earning the opportunity to receive lessons from Eddie Merrins.

 

John Garcia

UC Santa Barbara

John is a History major at UC Santa Barbara. John works in the Biology Department at UCSB as a Storeroom Clerk. He also spends time volunteering as a Golf Teaching Assistant for the UCSB Athletics program.  John has been a member of SCGA Junior for seven years. John has volunteered as a score keeper for the ANA Inspiration and at Bel-Air Country Club for SCGA Junior Play Days.

 

Class of 2021

Alyaa Abdulghany

University of Southern California, 2017 COPi Cup Scholar

Alyaa finished her first year at USC balancing her major in Business Administration and Management and competing on the USC Golf Team. Alyaa has stayed active with SCGA Junior in coming to speak at the Annual Hall of Fame dinner and competing in the Inaugural Major Champions Invitational. Alyaa stays active in her communities with her commitments on the USC golf teams and enjoys helping young golfers with their game.

 

Matthew Carungay

Loyola Marymount University, 2017 Friends of Golf Scholar

Matthew will be entering his second year at LMU this fall. He is a student athlete and majoring in Psychology. This past year, aside from his academics and collegiate career, he has become heavily involved with a campus ministry and the Filipino Club. He remains actives with SCGA Junior, travelling to the desert to speak on behalf of the program. He also has volunteered with our Player and Youth Development program at the Don Knabe Golf Center, playing and sharing his experiences with the youth.

 

Stephanie Fernandez

Cal State San Marcos, Livingston Family Foundation Scholar

Stephanie studies at Cal State San Marcos while competing on the golf team and studying Communications. She has overcome a lot of challenges this past semester, but she is proud of being able to finish strong. Despite the struggles she still manages to find time to stay active with SCGA Junior as a volunteer with junior golfers.

 

 

Kristy Harada

Chapman University

Kristy is entering her final year at Chapman and has decided to major in Accounting. She is optimistic for her chosen career path and looks forward to interning with Deloitte this summer. Kristy was a member of the women’s golf team and served as Vice President of Accounting Society for 2019-2020. She was offered a full-time job at Deloitte in Audit practice for post-graduation

 

 

Blake Petchel

CSU Fullerton

Blake is continuing his studies at Cal State Fullerton studying Sociology while competing on the men’s golf team. He continues to have a heart for youth and passing on the knowledge he has learned from golf. He has volunteered with SCGA Junior at summer Play Days and club outings. Outside of golf Blake has also been working for PC Racing USA.

 

Jennifer Queller

University of Illinois at Springfield, 2019 Duff Scholar

Jennifer is a Biochemistry major at the University of Illinois Springfield. In 2019 Jennifer played in the NCAA DII National championship as an individual setting multiple school records in the process. Jennifer is also the president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Jennifer has been volunteering at SCGA Junior through the Foundation Cup, Junior-Member play days, and the Girls Golf program. Jennifer is currently looking into Anesthesiology/ Surgical Anesthesiology programs in a few states including Southern California for after she graduates.

 

Emily Sumner

Santa Clara University

Emily studying Bioengineering at Santa Clara University with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Anesthesiologist. She is also a member of the Christian Life Community Club and will continue her competitive golf career on Santa Clara’s travel golf team after being sidelined with an injury this past year. She continues to be engaged with SCGA Junior, joining us for the SCGA Junior Summer Series and girls golf events.

 

Mark Williams

California State University, San Bernardino, 2017 SCGA President’s Scholar

Mark is studying Sociology while competing on the CSUSB men’s golf team. He aspires to become a professional golfer or work in the Golf Industry and hasn’t let the pandemic slow down his practicing. For the summer, Mark is working at the Old Baldy Club in Wyoming. He stays active in the SCGA Junior community by volunteering whenever possible.

 

Nicole Misner

Waldorf University

Nikki is an Elementary Studies major with a passion for helping the developmental growth of our generation’s youth. Nikki also spent time this semester planning and working on a sensory room for the local elementary school. Nikki has been active with SCGA Junior through volunteering with the annual Summer Series program and participating in mentor Play Days.  

 

SCGA Junior Alumni