Phoenix, AZ – Golf It Forward® is pleased to announce that in conjunction with the LPGA Foundation, 25 young ladies have each earned a $5,000 Marilynn Smith College Scholarship for 2025. This brings the total number of young women who have received a Marilynn Smith Scholarship to more than 300. Funds this year were provided by Golf It Forward, the LPGA Foundation, Daphne’s Headcovers, the Sandra Gal Foundation, Tori Totlis and the Waitkus Family.
The Marilynn Smith Scholarship program was established in 1999 by Ms. Smith. As a college student, she was denied financial assistance because she was a girl. Determined to make a difference, Marilynn, along with the LPGA Foundation, established her scholarship program. Thus far, nearly $2,000,000 has been awarded.
Each year, candidates must complete a questionnaire, watch The Founders film and write an essay about the film. “Sharing the video with the next generation ensures that the story of the women who created the longest running women’s sports organization is not forgotten,” said Golf It Forward President Debbie Waitkus.
This year’s class of ‘Marilynn’s Pearls’, as the recipients are known, comes from 17 different states, with California leading the list with three girls, followed by Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Texas and Wisconsin with two each.
2025 Marilynn Smith Scholarship Recipients are:
Gaby Becker – Franklin Lakes, NJ
Lila Becker – Woodstock, MD
Madison Cameron – Arlington, VA
Jordin Cowing – Gilbert, AZ
Jane Fanning – East Berne, NY
Jaelyn Feller – Menasha, WI
Reagan Garnsey – Camden Wyoming, DE
Mary Elizabeth Harrison – Cary, NC
Nicole Iniakov – Prunedale, CA
Kanynn Kaseca -Shawnee, OK
Alyssa Lim – Union City, CA
Jenna Lynch – Morrow, OH
Bretton Mackiewicz – Longwood, FL
Morgan Maddox – Homewood, AL
Aveeva Mirchandani – Cave Creek, AZ
ClaraGrace Plath – Lodi, CA
Camille Poncin – Pray, MT
Grace Roper – Marion, IL
Faith Sampson – Pullman, WA
Annika Searles – Neenah, WI
Whitley Shields – Fort Washington, MD
Saxon Skinner – Tuscaloosa, AL
Madeline Trannel – Crystal Lake, IL
Darcy Wright – Spring, TX
Emily York – McKinney, TX
Each young lady has a background which includes golf, community service and scholastic success with a passion for the world around them, “What inspires me most about Marilynn Smith is her fearless approach to growing the game,” stated Morgan Maddox, a 2025 recipient. “She did not wait for opportunities. She created them.” 2025 Pearl Lila Becker acknowledged, “The actions of these 13 founders are what allow me, a second-generation Hispanic to be able to play.”
They will follow many varied pathways during their college careers, including automotive engineering, aviation, business and sports management, education, forensic science, law, medical, technology and some hope for a career as a professional golfer or golf professional, perhaps one day working with the LPGA or PGA.
“Marilynn Smith’s dedication to creating opportunities for female golfers resonates deeply with me. I am determined to uphold her legacy by competing with integrity, giving back through community service, and motivating future generations to chase their dreams fearlessly,” said 2025 Marilynn Smith Pearl Kanynn Kaseca.
To learn more about the PEARLS or to donate to the Marilynn Smith Scholarship Program, visit www.golfitforward.org.
ABOUT GOLF IT FORWARD®
GOLF IT FORWARD is the public face of the Marilynn Smith and Founders’ Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation embodies the ingenuity, drive and passion of 13 women who had the foresight to see that there was a future for women in golf and golf in the future of women. For more information on GIF, please go to www.GolfItForward.org
PRESS CONTACT
Debbie Waitkus – Foundation President, 602-722-3605
