DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Sept. 11, 2009) – Freshman student and Daytona State College Women’s Golf team member Ericka Schneider shot sixteen under par and recorded a second place finish in the recent Walmart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, CA. Paired with Champions Tour golfer, Jeff Sluman, this was the second First Tee Open for Schneider who was selected to play from the First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee Chapter. On Saturday, Schneider was also paired with comedian, Bill Murray, best known for his role in “Caddyshack.”
The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation that provides learning facilities and educational programs to promote character development and life-enhancing values throughout the game of golf.
“The core values that First Tee instills in its participants has inspired me to work harder in school,” stated Schneider. “The tournament experience was amazing and Jeff Sluman even found time over the three day event to give me a 45-minute chipping lesson.”
Schneider has lofty goals. “I’d like to be the first, First Tee graduate to play Ladies Professional Golf and of course get to the top of the game just like Annika Sorenstam.”
According to Lady Falcons Coach, Laura Brown, “Ericka’s first opportunity to play a tournament with the team will be during the Lady Falcon Invitational at the LPGA International Golf Club, Sept. 26 and 27. I have no doubt that what she’s gained from The First Tee Program will benefit her in all aspects of her life including her academic studies and her commitment to her sport.”
The Lady Falcons golf team is comprised of nine student-athletes – three sophomores and six freshmen. Returning players include Lauren Benetti, Celebration, FL, and Ashley Mooney, Port St. Lucie, FL. New players include Cassie Cleary, Punta Gorda, FL; Jennifer Gartin, Port St. Lucie, FL and transfer student from Stetson University; Edwina Gold, United Kingdom; Mitsuki Katahira, Japan; Barbara Malone, West Palm Beach, FL; Ericka Schneider, Bradenton, FL; and Amy West, Valrico, FL.
Daytona State is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Florida Community College Athletics Association Mid-Florida Conference. The Falcons compete in five Division I NJCAA sports including Men's and Women's Basketball, Baseball, Fast-Pitch Softball, Women's Golf, and Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving. The main focus of the Daytona State Falcons athletic program is to prepare student-athletes for success in life. This is accomplished through strong academic programs and support services coupled with quality coaching and athletic facilities.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Glyn Johnston, Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Events, (386) 506-4499, johnstg@DaytonaState.edu
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