There is an acute need for opportunities for college-age women to develop practical management, leadership, and networking skills in a competitive environment. With ever-increasing numbers of women pursuing careers in management in the business world, as well as in the public sector, providing opportunities to hone such skills is critical to the future success of young women with professional ambitions. Intercollegiate athletics programs have traditionally served as a mechanism by which young people learn the importance of focused hard work toward team goals. Unfortunately, young women have often lagged behind their male counterparts in opportunities to participate in such programs. The UCSC Division III Women's Golf Team provides a structured, disciplined, and competitive environment that emphasizes both athletic and academic accomplishment. We teach skills traditionally associated with golf, but that are also designed to positively impact the career trajectory of team members. The abilities to maintain focus and self-confidence under competitive pressure, to efficiently manage one's own time in order to successfully graduate, to master rules, and to work together as a team are hallmarks of both a good golfer and a successful professional. It is not surprising then that most Fortune 500 executives play golf. Because UCSC provides very limited support for its athletics programs, the golf team must generate its own funding for the coach's salary, travel expenses, greens fees, and equipment. Your donation on Giving Day will allow us to be able to continue not only playing golf, but building leaders.
