Golfer Amy Bockerstette does not play around – she’s on a mission to become one of the biggest stars of the game. Now, she’s become the first golf athlete with down syndrome to compete in a national collegiate athletic championship! Read about one of the most inspiring young women in the United States…
Amy Bockerstette’s Story
22-year-old Amy Bockerstette has no problem proving to everyone that she’s one of the up-and-coming golf stars. It all started back in 2016, when she became the first-ever person with Down syndrome to qualify for a high school golf tournament. However, Bockerstette did not stop there. She qualified again the following year as a senior. Of course, her rock star golf skills quickly earned her an athletic college scholarship to Phoenix’s Paradise Valley Community College.
Incredibly, Bockerstette did not let the coronavirus pandemic slow her down. At the 2019 Phoenix Open, she played alongside the great PGA Tour pro Gary Woodland! While playing during the 2019 Phoenix Open, she managed to come in at par. Woodland felt so happy to see Bockerstette play with such eagerness and concentration; he hugged her after she scored! “I’ve been blessed to do lot of cool things on the golf course but that is by far the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced,” Woodland said afterward. “She was phenomenal. And then to step up in front of all the people and the crowd and everything and to hit the shots that she hit and made par, I never rooted so hard for somebody on a golf course and it was an emotional, emotional really cool experience.”
Now, this golfer plans to take the world by storm once again. She’s now become the first golfer with Down syndrome to compete in a national collegiate athletic championship!
First Golf Athlete With Down Syndrome
For those who do not follow the world of college golf, Bockerstette participated in the NJCAA National Championship in Ormond Beach, Florida, which took place earlier this month. And Woodland is far from the only fan of her “Amazing Amy.” After competing, Bockerstette says that she not only loves her team, but she also plans on continuing golf professionally!
“I love playing, my teammates, my best friends, seeing each other,” Bockerstette explained. “We have a good time.” Apart from golf, she’s fond of other sports and activities, including swimming, bowling, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Recently, she also took part at the National Down Syndrome Congress in 2019, motivating other people with Down syndrome by giving a 20-minute speech. “My superpower is confidence and believing in myself,” she said. “With your superpower, you can create your own purpose.”
“Don’t put limits on your child with a disability,” Bockerstette’s father said. “They are far, far more capable than you can imagine.”
Sources: MSN, The Today Show