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.
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.
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.
HISTORY MADE! Puma Golf was part of history today as @AmyGolfsNDances is the 1st collegiate athlete w/Down syndrome to compete in a national championship w/ @NJCAA Best of luck to Coach Matt Keel, and Amber Daczka, Paige Dormal, Emily Ingels, Sara Kearns, Jinkung Kim! #GoPumas pic.twitter.com/0oA8tXRqig
— Puma Athletics (@PVCCPumas) May 10, 2021
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.
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!
SHE IS
THEY ARE
(I AM)
WORTH WATCHING ❗️What a weekend! ⛳️
Thank you @USGA @LPGA @ANAinspiration @ANWAgolf for promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. #LittleGirlsBIGDreams#ANAinspiration#ANWAgolf#USGA#LPGA pic.twitter.com/wurPLTCARq— Amy Bockerstette (@AmyGolfsNDances) April 3, 2021
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.
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!”
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.
He's got this. 🏆❤
With Mom, Dad and @MrsTesori, @AmyGolfsNDances watches her friend @GaryWoodland win the U.S. Open.
All the feels. pic.twitter.com/ogQqN0yaYu
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 17, 2019
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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