Elly LeBlanc '20 Recruiting Profile

Elly Kaupa LeBlanc

Growing up as a young female in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was challenging.　Living next　to the Port Moresby Country Club (CC) provided me　aspirations of one day playing golf. My dad worked　at the CC　as a security guard　and would bring me to the golf course when possible.　PNG being　a developing country had limited resources.　 The CC didn't have golf carts to rent so kids in the neighborhood would show up in the morning with hopes being selected to caddy for someone.　 When I turned 11 my dad allowed me to join the caddy club to help pay for my school tuition.　

　　　　One day an American, Mr. Bobby, showed up at the CC　and selected me to be his caddy.　 Mr. Bobby and I became good friends as he would hire me every weekend to be his caddy.　 On the long par 5s Mr. Bobby and my dad would chat about life, living in PNG and our families. As time progressed my dad realized I would have limited opportunities to get an education and good quality of life　in PNG.　 When I turned 13 my dad asked Mr. Bobby if he and his wife (Charisse) would be interested in bringing me to the USA　and they agreed.　

　　　　One summer day in Aug 2013 Mr. Bobby met me at the club house and asked me if I would like to move to the USA and live with him and his wife. I was so shocked and excited all I could do was smile and shake my　head saying YES!!　 Mr. Bobby was happy that I accepted and asked me to write an essay on why I wanted to live in the USA. Until this day Mr. Bobby reminds me of one of　the statements in my essay　"I would like to live in the USA to have the opportunity to one day better myself so I can help my Family and my Country".　 This statement became my "Life Goal".　

　　　　At the age of 13 I arrived in Houston, Texas USA. I couldn't believe I was here in America.　 Mr. Bobby and Mrs. Charisse enrolled me in a Christian school in the 8th grade.　 I remember shaking I was so excited.　 At this point in my life I knew I had an opportunity to fulfill my "Life Goal".　 With English as my 3rd language, I was　challenged to understand what was being said and found it difficult to keep up. I would stay up until 10pm every　night studying.　 Some nights Mr. Bobby would tell me, "Ok Elly, you need to get some sleep".　I worked very hard to catch up and during the entire process fell in love with America. I was happy to find out there was a golf team at my school.　To get me started Mr. Bobby bought me a golf lesson package from a PGA Women's coach, Ms. Marci Bozarth. I worked very hard on my game and every spare minute I would be outside practicing.　

　　　　When I turned 15 Mr. Bobby and Mrs. Charisse asked if I wanted to join their family.　 I couldn't believe what I was hearing, they want to adopt me!　 It still brings tears to my eyes when I think of that day.　 Just like when Mr. Bobby, now my new dad, asked me if I wanted to live in the USA all I could do was shake my head and say yes.　I'm the luckiest girl in the world, well at least from PNG.　

　　　　Soon after　I was adopted　we moved to Louisiana. I stated at a new school, Leesville High School, and I love it.　 I've made new friends, continued with my education and joined the Golf (Capitan) and Volleyball team and ROTC.　 I've been able to bring my GPA up to 3.6 as a junior.　With English as a 2nd (3rd) language I still have problems with timed computer based test such as the ACT but I do really well when I have time to complete my work.

　　　　Now a new senior, 2020, I reflect back on my home country and Life Goal of wanting to help my Family and my Country.　 PNG being an Island Nation and having one of the most diverse ecological and marine life systems in the　world　I have decided that I want to get a degree in Environmental Science.　I plan on writhing my thesis on "PNG, the environment we live in" and returning to PNG to create a library of all the species in my home country.　

　　　　As for Golf, I see Golf as a vehicle which will　allow me the opportunity to fulfil my dreams and "Life Goals".　While attending tournaments I've met many coaches and parents.　When telling them　my life story they understand how Golf can impact and change someone's life.　 Golf has thought me integrity, honor, team, dedication, jubilation and how to deal with emotions, both happiness and despair. Skills I would have never learned on my own and now use in life.

　　　　　When I start college it will be an honor to be a member of a College Golf Team. I would love to become a member of the PGA and play on the national and international stage bringing the message of how Golf can change someone's life. I am determined　and dedicated to　attend college, acquire my　degree　in Environmental Science and be a collegiate athlete. I will do what it take to achieve my goals on my journey of life. Having lived in a developing country, I will never take my opportunity for granted and do whatever I can to help others reach their "Life Goals".

NCSA – Elly LeBlanc

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713 853 5904