Meet the Scholars

The SCGA Junior Scholarship Program is designed to help youth continue their education in college or vocational school.

This year,

$225,000 in scholarships

will be given out to a class of 48 scholars 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.

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Class of 2027

Nathan Zet

University of Kansas, Livingston Foundation Scholar

Nathan attends the University of Kansas double majoring in Geology and Music, setting him on his dream path to becoming a paleontologist. He was a member Southeast Los Angeles Player & Youth Development program for several years. Since joining he has competed in SCGA Junior Club Tournaments and volunteered for SCGA Junior

Vanessa Ngo

University of Colorado Boulder

Vanessa is a multi-talented individual with a passion for golf. She will be studying neuroscience at CU Boulder and playing on the Women’s golf team. Joining SCGA Junior at the age of 8, golf became an integral part of Vanessa’s identity, helping her make friends and providing cherished memories along with significant skill development and personal growth.

Luke Johnson

UCLA, Duff Scholar

Luke has been actively involved in SCGA Junior tournaments and has been invited to multiple private club play days as a representative of the Foundation, including The Los Angeles Country Club and Bel Air. With a passion for golf and aspirations of starting his own fashion brand and playing on the golf team, Luke attends UCLA, majoring in business.

Michael Johnson

Loyola Marymount University

Michael is a dedicated PYD Tournament participant who values the opportunities provided by the Foundation. He aims to start his own tech company and will study Management and Information Systems at LMU. Michael cherishes the Rio Honda Play Day memory and plans to give back to the golf community through teaching and mentoring.

Sophia Martinez

UC Irvine, COPi Cup Scholar

Sophia has been a dedicated participant in the SELA chapter of the SCGA Junior program for over five years. Sophia’s commitment to giving back is evident through her volunteer work at SELA community events, outreach programs, and LPGA*USGA Girls Golf initiatives. Sophia has chosen UC Irvine as her academic destination, where she will pursue pharmaceutical sciences.

Emma Kurata

Cal Poly SLO

Emma has been actively involved in the PYD program since 8th grade and currently serves as a part-time coach. She cherishes the friendships she has made within the golf community and remains committed to staying involved, coaching, and giving back to the SCGA Junior program. Committed to Cal Poly SLO, she plans to major in biochemistry.

Sophia Soto

Dominican University, Deb Long Scholar

Sophia embodies exceptional leadership qualities and is a well-rounded student athlete. Sophia’s deep connection to her family and her passion for giving back to the community shine through her involvement as a youth coach since the age of 16. Sophia aspires to pursue a double major in Psychology and Business, followed by a master’s degree and eventually attending law school with the goal of becoming a sports agent.

Diego Soto

Dominican University, SCGA Presidents Scholar

Diego attends Dominican University where he is majoring in business and is on the men’s golf team. Diego served as a Player and Youth Development Coach at our Riverside community and is an outstanding role model and mentor, making a significant impact on the juniors he’s coached. SCGA Junior has become a second family for Diego, providing him with personal growth and meaningful connections.

Kevin Hikichi

El Camino College

Kevin is an avid golfer who actively engages in club outings, golf clinics, and lessons, always seeking opportunities to improve his game. He aspires to volunteer and support the golf community whenever possible. Having started playing golf at a young age, Kevin plans to attend El Camino College before transferring to ASU, where he aims to pursue professional golf while exploring business classes to discover his interests.

Mitzi Duarte

UC Riverside, Friends of Golf Scholar

Mitzi joined our PYD programs at the age of 7 and is now a dedicated part-time coach in the SELA community and a consistent competitive golfer on the SCPGA circuit. She is a true representation of her community and showcases outstanding commitment to the sport. Mitzi is attending UCR for her biology major and aims to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Cristen Legaspi

Cal State Long Beach

Cristen is an outdoor enthusiast and has actively engaged in golf outings, played at prestigious courses like Wilshire CC, and volunteered for the PV championship. Inspired by her brother’s involvement, she recently played in the TGR Invitational and aspires to create her own clothing brand while giving back to the homeless community or local churches. Cristen plans to study Business and Marketing at Long Beach State University.

Nayani Lewis

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Nayani’s passion for golf led her to pursue her dream of securing a scholarship for a Division 1 spot at Maryland Eastern Shore, where she intends to major in graphic design and explore the unique Professional Golf Management program offered by the university. She played in SCGA tournaments for several years, cherishing the opportunity to compete at Hillcrest and participating in the LPGA Leadership Program.

PENELOPE ORNELAS

Cal Poly Pomona

Penelope, a longtime participant with SCGA Junior and now a part-time coach, is a hard worker and deeply dedicated to the program. Introduced to golf by her dad, Penelope has been involved since 4th grade and plans to stay involved with SCGA Junior while attending Cal Poly Pomona, where she will major in Geology, focusing on planetary geology or the environment with earth geology.

CHLOE AALA

UC Irvine

Chloe joined SCGA Junior at 9, she fell in love with the sport and started playing competitively. SCGA became a second support system, providing cherished memories and lifelong friendships. Now, Chloe gives back by volunteering and advocating for golf. UCI, her dream school, awaits her as she plans to major in business/marketing, aspiring to be a marketing agent in the golf industry.

ASHLEY CHENG

Fullerton College

Ashley is a dedicated student and SELA PYD participant for over 5 years. She participates in SCGA Junior leagues and tournaments and aspires to become a youth coach. Graduating early and foregoing her last two years of high school, Ashley seeks greater challenges and a head start on her career. Ashley is interested in business and medicine and will attend Fullerton College with transfer plans to UCI, UCLA, or Berkeley.

MIA OLMOS- MARTINEZ

Cal State Long Beach

Mia has been an SCGA Junior member since 10 years old and is now as a part-time coach. She strongly values the program’s diversity, as it has provided her the opportunity to play and connect with juniors from different backgrounds. Mia’s favorite memories involve coaching and witnessing the growth of her students. She plans to continue coaching and advocating for the program while pursuing a nursing degree at CSULB.

Class of 2026

Joshlyn Ayala

Cal State Los Angeles, Friends of Golf Scholar

Joshlyn attends the California State University, Los Angeles where she plans to major in Animation and is on the Women’s Golf Team. It is her dream to one day work in movie and TV animation. She has been a member of the SCGA Junior Youth on Course program for six years and credits the program for helping her realize her full golf potential and play at the collegiate level.

Michelle Cheng

UC Irvine, COPi Cup Scholar

Michelle is off to the University of California, Irvine where she will be on the pre-med track as a Cognitive Science major. She hopes to use her degree to help make a difference in the field of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Michelle is one of the coaches in our Southeast LA community, which she describes as her most fulling moments when it comes to golf.

Kyla Coaxum

Delaware State University, Livingston Foundation Scholar

Kyla will attend Delaware State University in the fall, where she will study Communication on the pre-med track. She is passionate about one day pursuing a career in the field of Women’s medicine as a double board certified OB/GYN so she can help women and young children. Kyla is an active member of the SCGA Junior Girls Golf programs and believes the lessons learned on the course parallel those in life.

Nia Elkouby

Howard University

Nia is finishing up her sophomore year at Howard University in Washington D.C. where she is a Psychology Major, Interdisciplinary Humanities and Computer Science Double Minor. At her high school, she founded and is co-president of the Black Student Union and is a member of a competitive drama team. She is an active SCGA Junior Girls Golf participant, and her favorite memory has been learning about all the different career opportunities within golf, both on and off the course.

Madalyn Nguyen

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Deb Long Scholar

Madalyn is heading to Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts where she’ll major in Computer Science. She has a passion for robotics and engineering and has competed in FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics competitions since the age of 8. Madalyn loves that golf is a way for her to relax and unwind and plans to volunteer with SCGA Junior over the summer.

Kamea Nicolis

Xavier University of Louisiana

Kamea is off to Xavier University of Louisiana where she’ll study Business Management in hopes of one day becoming an entrepreneur. She is an active member in the SCGA Junior Southeast LA community and is thankful for golf because of the confidence and patience it has taught her.

Brandon Salas

Biola University

Brandon will begin is collegiate journey at Biola University as a Biology major. He has a passion for all things mammals and wildlife and hopes to go into a zoology related field after graduating. Brandon has been in SCGA Junior programs for five years and loves the structure and discipline of the game and how golf brings people together.

Max Sivongsay

Fullerton College

Max will attend Fullerton College in the fall and hopes to one day become an Electrical Engineer. He is passionate about weight lifting and it’s physical and mental benefits. Max’s older brother is currently and SCGA Junior Scholar as well and they love being able to spend time together out on the course helping each other improve their game.

Madison Stout

University of Redlands, SCGA President's Scholar

Madison is heading to University of Redlands in the fall where she will study Animal Science. She has been an animal lover her entire life and dreams of owning her own Veterinarian clinic some day. Madison has been an active participant and volunteer with SCGA Junior for years and attributes her teamwork and leadership skills to these experiences.

Andrew Tuazon

Cal State Monterey Bay

Andrew will start at Cal State Monterey Bay this fall where he hopes to continue his golf career at the collegiate level. He loves the skills golf teaches, from patience to analytical thinking and sociability. Andrew’s favorite SCGA Junior memory is playing in one of the on course tournaments because he learned not to get discouraged when you have ups and downs in a round.

Adrienne Walker

Loyola Marymount University

Adrienne is heading to Loyola Marymount University this fall, as a Biology major. Her goal is to one day become a Medical Geneticist and help prevent and council patients on hereditary conditions. Adrienne’s experiences in SCGA Junior have taught her be persistent in growing her abilities in golf and all other endeavors in life.

London Clark

Xavier University of Louisiana

London is off to Xavier University of Louisiana this fall to study Psychology on the Pre-Med track. She hopes to one day become a Doctor and use her education to help those struggling with mental health. London is active in the Southwest LA community and has respresented SCGA Junior at a Girls Golf leadership academy.

Class of 2025

Tracy Bryant

El Camino College

Tracy attends El Camino College. 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

UC San Diego, Livingston Foundation Scholar

Yuliana is a Computer Science major at UC San Diego. She stays busy by being involved in multiple clubs, including the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and Women in Computing. Yuliana stays involved with SCGA Junior by volunteering in Programming!

Evan Chien

UC Los Angeles, Duff Scholar

Evan is at 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 is studying Marketing with a minor in Sports Management at Grand Canyon University. He is a part of the club golf team and plays on the e-sports team. Dylan has been able to participate in multiple intermural sports and is involved in the Sports Business Club. Being involved in SCGA Junior has given Dylan the opportunity to be a role model to many young golfers.

Elisa Gomez

Allegheny College, Deb Long Drive Scholar

While attending Allegheny College, Elisa is majoring in Communications and Cultural Studies. She is also on the Allegheny golf team and loves traveling with the team for tournaments, exploring new places and courses. Elisa has been a part of SCGA Junior for ten years and continues to volunteer when she can. She loves the impact SCGA Junior has on young golfers, including herself.

Lexie Houchens

UC Santa Barbara

Lexie is currently a junior at the University of Arizona through their online program, majoring in Psychology and with a minor in Adolescents, Community, and Education. Alongside her coursework, she is a part-time youth coach for SCGA Junior at Fairmount Golf Course in Riverside, CA. Lexie is also a leadership volunteer with Milvet, a local non-profit providing resources to active-duty military, veterans and their families. Lexie has a passion for working with kids and aspires to be a future educator.

Alan Pham

University of Chicago, COPi Cup Scholar

Alan is excited to be working towards a Computer Science degree at University of Chicago. 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 Trejo

Gonzaga University, SCGA Presidents Scholar

Evan is currently attending Gonzaga University while majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Evan has volunteered often in classes at SCGA Junior’s Southeast LA golf courses. He thanks SCGA Junior for all the lifelong lessons they have given him through the years.

Sophia Sandoval

Cal State Los Angeles, Friends of Golf Scholar

Sophia is applying to be in the Nursing School at Cerritos College. Sophia has been a part-time coach for SCGA Junior. She loves the opportunity to give back to SCGA Junior because of all the things they have done for her as a young golfer.

Class of 2024

Derek Ban

Middlebury College, COPi Cup Scholar

Derek is studying Economics at Middlebury College. He keeps busy while working as a tutor and as an Economics Teacher’s Assistant. Derek is looking forward to playing another season with the Middlebury golf team! He has taken up some hobbies outside of the classroom including photography and music production. Derek still considers SCGA Junior one of the most influential groups he has been a part of.

Alyssa Chan

UC Berekeley

Allyssa attends University of California, Berkeley as a Political Science and Political Economy major. Allyssa has become very involved in her sorority and the UC Rally Committee, holding positions in both groups. Allyssa is also a part of a pre-law fraternity and other academic clubs on campus. She continues to work as an SCGA Junior Player & Youth Development coach.

Skylar Graham

University of Southern California, Livingston Scholar

Skylar attends USC majoring in Communications. She is very involved on campus as she works for the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, is Co-President of USC Club Golf and volunteers at Annenberg’s Media Center. She continues her relationship with golf outside of school by being a Junior Ambassador and mentor to junior golfers. She loves to give advice to young golfers about being a student-athlete in high school and college.

Kirsten Linder

Hawaii Pacific University, Duff Scholar

Kirsten attends Hawaii Pacific University majoring in Biochemistry Pre Health-Professions. She is on the Hawaii Pacific golf team and is a part of the Medical Club. Kirsten hopes to one day go to Dental School and become a Dentist. She has loved volunteering and participating in SCGA Junior events and the opportunities it has given her.

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 majoring in Computer Science at San Diego State University. She would like to be involved in game design in the future. One of Jasmine’s favorite SCGA Junior volunteer moments was during the “Bring a Friend to Class” day and seeing all the kids having so much fun together!

Ashleigh Park

UT Austin, Deb Long Scholar

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 attends University of California, Irvine and is studying Public Health Policy. She loves learning about how to improve people’s health and what goes into it. Monique has volunteered with SCGA Junior at a Drive, Chip, and Putt event and will continue to volunteer when she can!

Ryan Ruaysungoen

Pomona College, SCGA Presidents Scholar

Ryan is currently attending Pomona College and is majoring in Chemistry. He is on the Pomona Men’s Golf Team. Ryan loves being able to volunteer for SCGA Junior and see the personal growth of the juniors!

Shani Waite

Prairie View A&M, Friends of Golf Scholar

Shani attends Prairie View A&M University studying Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminalistics and is minoring in Psychology. She is a part of the Prairie View University African Student Association and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Shani is also on her school’s golf team!

Abigail Yang

UC Irvine

Abigail is currently attending University of California, Irvine and is majoring in Education. She has been enjoying her time at college and is excited to learn more about working in education. Abigail volunteers at her church on Sundays. She is thankful for everything SCGA Junior has helped her with through the years.

Class of 2023

Nicholas Aguilar

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Nicholas studied Agricultural and Environmental Plant Science with a concentration in Plant Protection at California Polytechnic State University. Nicholas was part of an off-roading club called Poly Goats. When he wasn’t studying or attending classes Nicholas loved to hit the driving range and the gym! He hopes to become a Pest Control Advisor.

Devin Hernandez

UC Santa Barbara

Devin studied Geography with a Psychology Applied minor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He was a research assistant for the Sundowner Wind Experiment and volunteered with the Resident Hall Association. Devin loves to volunteer for SCGA Junior when he can and wants to continue helping with events.

Hannah Hernandez

Cal State Fullerton, Duff Scholar

Hannah studied Communication Studies at California State University, Fullerton. While working two jobs and attending classes, Hannah was able to work on her passion for photography. Photography and social media are something that Hannah would like to continue to explore and work in.

Jasmine Lew

UC Berkeley, Deb Long Scholar

Jasmine studied Media Studies at the University of California, Berkley. She kept busy with a full class schedule while also being on the school’s golf team. Jasmine credits SCGA Junior for getting her to where she is now as a Division 1 athlete.

Jacob Lewis

Masters University, Livingston Scholar

Jacob studied Kinesiology at The Master’s University. He also played for his college golf team, which kept him busy throughout the week. One of his favorite memories from SCGA Junior was being able to volunteer and play at Bel-Air Country Club! Jacob is now a Golf Instructor in our Southeast Los Angeles community.

Andres Navarro

Cal State Dominguez Hills

Andres studied Business and Finance at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Andres maintained a busy schedule- taking classes, doing homework and playing on the golf team. He loves to volunteer with SCGA Junior and hopes to spread the joy of golf to the younger generation!

Emilie Nguyen

Missouri University S&T, SCGA Presidents Scholar

Emilie studied Mechanical Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. During her time at MUST Emilie interned with GE Aviation as an Operation Co-op in Cincinnati. She served as the Social Chair for all co-ops nationwide, which is called the Professional Development Committee. Emilie loves that SCGA Junior gives her the opportunity to share her story and experiences with others.

Jason Platt

Rio Hondo College

Jason studied at the Nursing Program at Rio Hondo College. Jason credits SCGA Junior for teaching him about hard work, responsibilities, and life skills. He was a long-time member and then became a coach. He is proud to be an SCGA Junior scholar!

Deanna Roldan

UC San Diego

Deanna studied Environmental Systems with a Global Health minor at the University of California San Diego. Deanna is a founding member of a sustainability club on campus called Voiz at UCSD. SCGA Junior helped Deanna fall in love with the game of golf. She has volunteered with Girls Golf and loved to see young girls get excited about golf.

Juliette Ruaux

Occidental College, COPi Cup Scholar

Juliette studied Biology and Comparative Studies in Language and Culture at Occidental College. She was co-captain of the Occidental Women’s Golf Team. Juliette’s favorite SCGA Junior volunteer opportunities are the SCGA College tours and Girls Golf!

Jetty Sivongsay

Cal State San Bernardino, Friends of Golf Scholar

Jetty studied Business Marketing at California State University of San Bernardino. He was also a a part of the golf team! Jetty is truly grateful for all the opportunities and people he has met through her years at SCGA Junior.

Elise Sumner

Western Washington University

Elise studied Communication Sciences and Disorders at Western Washington University. She participated in three clubs on campus, including the National Student Speech and Hearing Language Association. Elise was also on her college’s golf team and has competed in multiple tournaments!