Acts of Kindness
Golfer with Down syndrome shatters barriers at collegiate level, doesn't let anything stand in her way
When Amy walked onto the grass at a National Collegiate Athletic Championship, she was the first person with Down syndrome to ever make that step.
Catherine Marucci
06.02.21

Amy Bockerstette is a fantastic golfer. She is also the first person with Down syndrome to enter a National Collegiate Athletic Championship. She is shattering barriers everywhere she goes, and she almost makes it seem easy.

Amy can be a source of inspiration for all of us. Amazing Amy, as she has come to be known, has never let anything get in her way.

She can do anything. Her golf career more than proves it.


swing
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

Making that first swing

Everyone watched in awe and respectful silence as Amy took her first swing during the National Collegiate Athletic Championship.

She wasn’t just hitting a golf ball. She was finding her way into history as she swung that club.

All it took was the love of golf, years of practice, dedication, and having something that Amy has plenty of – determination. Okay, admittedly, that sounds like a lot. However, it was never too much for Amy. She was ready for the challenge.


club
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

The journey begins

Amy was first introduced to playing golf when she was at school in 8th grade. She played on her school’s golf club team and genuinely impressed the coach with her natural ability and love of the game. He saw her potential and encouraged her to continue golf in high school.

Amy could really play golf! She had taken to it like it was the best thing in the world.

Gaining momentum

Amy took that advice and joined the girls’ golf team during her freshman year of high school. She stayed a member of the team for the full four years. She received a varsity letter not only in her sophomore year but also in her junior and senior years.

Amy wasn’t just a part of the team; she was leading it.


hug
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

Another first

In her junior year of high school, Amy became the first person with Down Syndrome to enter the Arizona High School Girls Golf Division I State Championship. She also participated in the same championship in her senior year. They had to have her team back for an encore!

Continuing to find her way

In addition to playing in conventional championships and competitions, Amy has also participated in the Special Olympics for six years. She has been a welcome face as she brings her joy and enthusiasm to the games.

Her presence helps to encourage other athletes with intellectual disabilities. When they see her, they know their dreams are possible.

golf
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

Finding her voice

In 2018, she had the opportunity to play a practice round at the par-3 16th hole of the Phoenix Open with the pro golfer, Gary Woodland.

While making par, she used the phrase,

“I got this!”

got this
YouTube screenshot – PGA Tour
Source:
YouTube screenshot – PGA Tour

It instantly went viral.

She took the momentum from that viral moment and created a nonprofit organization called the I Got This Foundation. The foundation encourages others with Down syndrome, as well as other conditions, to get involved in golf.

Going above and beyond, they offer opportunities, golf instruction, organized events, and grants to make it possible. They are as dedicated as Amy is.

Becoming an inspiration

After realizing what she has already done in life, it isn’t surprising to find out that Amy became the first person with Down syndrome to enter a National Collegiate Athletic Championship.

She was already a winner before she even set one golf shoe on that golf course.

Do you want to learn more about her participation at the championship?

Check out the video below.

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PopSugar – Samantha Brodsky

YouTube – CBS Evening News

PGA Tour – Ben Everill

Special Olympics

YouTube – PGA Tour

I Got This Foundation

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