When the Women Fore Women Golf Tournament first came into being back in 2019, the event raised enough money to present a trio of $500 scholarships to local young women who were about to further their education as student athletes.
The hope back then was that the event would grow over the years and even more athletes could be given a helping hand.
But not even at their most optimistic could the Hillcrest Golf Club Ladies League have predicted how quickly things would take off.
Just how quickly?
In 2023 -- a mere four years after the first Women Fore Women tournament took place -- the Hillcrest Ladies presented five scholarships worth $3,000 apiece, with a hope that even more could be presented in the future.
“It’s incredible, absolutely incredible,” said Women Fore Women scholarship coordinator Deb Negraiff. “What I’m so happy with is the support we’ve got from the community, that’s where this comes from. The tournament is three-quarters full already this year, we’ve got another 20 spots or so and we’re full, so the support is always so incredible.”
Scholarship recipients have to be playing a sport at a post-secondary institution and submit an essay detailing their accomplishments and why they should receive the honour.
“When you read these essays, and we had 18 applicants this year, you see what these kids do while maintaining 90-plus averages,” Negraiff said. “Some of them have part-time jobs and they’re maintaining their athletics, their school and whatever else they’re involved in… these are busy kids, we’re proud of them and we love doing this.”
Multi-sport athlete Jasmine Kohl was the first to receive her scholarship on Monday afternoon, as the Prince Albert Northern Bears forward had to return up north for her graduation from Prince Albert Carlton.
Kohl is off to Lake Forest College in Chicago, where she’ll play hockey and fastball white studying psychology.
“I’m honored to get this scholarship, it means a lot to me that there are women giving back to women and that’s kind of my motto,” Kohl said. “I want to be a role model for others and I’d like to to join these kind of things to give back to the younger generation, and keep it moving forward.
“This scholarship means a lot of and helps a lot on my journey down south, it helps get the feet moving a bit and gets you on your way.”
Asia McCulloch played four seasons of high school soccer with the Central Cyclones and will be off to Medicine Hat College to play her sport this fall. McCulloch is the second member of her family to receive the award after older sister Sage was honoured during the first presentations back in 2020.
“It means a lot. I feel honoured to get this… I didn’t think that I’d get it because I knew there were a lot of people who would win it instead of me, but after looking at all my experience with sports and everything, I was hoping it would happen,” said McCulloch, who will study sports management and marketing. “I think it’s awesome, giving recognition to women in sports, it’s really great.”
Katie Newberry is a standout fastball pitcher who helped the Moose Jaw Ice win the U17 AA provincial championship last summer. She’s off to Kankakee Community College in Kanakakee, Ill. this fall, where she’ll enter the education field.
“I think it’s really cool, it’s a great opportunity and I’ll really glad I got it,” Newberry said. “ I was really excited to get it, especially since my best friend (Makena Simmons) got it, too, so we celebrated together…I do a lot of coaching, so just getting this is inspiring for me and it’s big deal, especially for the little girls who are coming up (and will have a chance to win it).”
Simmons played volleyball for the Peacock Toilers and won provincial gold in 2021 and joined Newberry in helping the Ice in their march to fastball nationals. She’s off to Simon Fraser University this fall to play both sports and will major in business.
“This is unreal scholarship, it’s really cool to be able to support local athletes, especially,” Simmons said. “It’s cool to support women in sport, too, there aren’t a lot of scholarships based on that solely and it’s unique that way and nice to have in Moose Jaw… I was so excited to receive it, I believe helping women’s sport is a big thing and it's really neat.”
Jadyn Palaschuk is the most decorated of the five recipients. A three-time Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association cross-country champion, Palaschuk also won gold in the 3,000 metres at track and field provincials this past spring.
All that winning has landed Palaschuk at NCAA Division I California State University Long Beach, where she’ll compete against future Olympians in cross country and track.
“It’s really nice that they’re helping out athletes and women in sport and it’s nice to be able to receive it,” Palaschuk said. “It helps out a lot of girls who are growing up and trying to go other places, getting a scholarship like this. It’s a really cool opportuinty.”
The 2023 Women Fore Women tournament is set for Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Hillcrest Golf Club. Only a handful of spots remain, so be sure to register by calling (306) 693-1921 soon!
