Skylar Graham '20 Recruiting Profile

I was introduced to the game of golf at seven years old. One of the first things I was given from The First Tee of Los Angeles was a system of nine core values; honesty, respect, responsibility, courtesy, confidence, integrity, sportsmanship, perseverance and judgement. These values have instilled lessons in me that not only apply to challenging days on the golf course, but experiences that I will endure in the future. Every putt I have made has taught me to win with grace and every putt I have missed has taught me to be resilient. By it being an individual sport, I have learned to set goals and to build self-efficacy. Golf has taught me to not enable pressure or the fear of uncertainty define me. This game has afforded me a lifetime of lessons, unforgettable experiences and relationships. As captain of the Harvard Westlake girls varsity golf team for the past two seasons, I have recognized my potential as a leader and motivator. Not only have I been able to further my skills in golf, but I have promoted a greater interest for it in my teammates and helped them realize their potential. My captainship has taught me that responsibility is more than completing a task, but it’s about being accountable for my impact on others and the obligation I have to help positively influence them. Through the exercise of positive mantras I have encouraged self-confidence on the team and most importantly, holding each other to that. Belonging to the golf community goes beyond the greens and sand traps; it is a way of life that continues to inspire me and has allowed me to see into my passion for leadership.