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Kelpman is a freshman with a sharp focus on her future on the fairway
Makenna Kelpman wins the final Duke’s Seafood Junior Scholarship for 2022.
Although the Duke’s Junior Golf Scholarship is available to any junior golfer in western Washington, it has been high school seniors and graduates who have dominated the list of winners over the years.
So, it is a welcome change to see a freshman earn this month’s award.
Makenna Kelpman, a ninth-grader at Tacoma’s Sound Christian Academy, which offers Pre-K through 12th-grade education, might be halfway through her first year as a high-schooler, but she represented the academy’s golf team before she even graduated from its middle school.
And what an incredible record she has already put together, being named the team’s captain and MVP and also recording its best score at every league match she has played in so far.
Kelpman finished third at the 2022 WIAA 1B/2B State Championships and was also named MVP of the SeaTac League for girls golf. Outside of school, Makenna set the women’s 18-hole course record at Highlands Golf Club during September’s Par-3 Championship, shooting a 65. She has played several Washington Junior Golf Association tournaments, competed on the Rocky Mountain Junior Golf Tour, and represented Meadow Park Golf Club in the PGA Junior League.
Before becoming a multi-sport athlete who also plays soccer, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, and does track, Makenna competed at the national level as an Irish dancer performing in lead roles at Lakewood Playhouse and Tacoma Musical Playhouse. And, if all her athletic and cultural endeavors weren’t enough, she also maintains a 4.0 GPA and serves as the freshman class secretary.
Makenna first played golf at the age of 4 when her dad began taking her to the driving range. It became her focus during the pandemic when team sports were tough, if not impossible, to organize.
It would be fair to say Makenna, who says driving is probably the best part of her game, although her pitching and chipping from around the green are developing nicely, is something of a golf nut. Not only does she play, but she also volunteered at this year’s U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at Chambers Bay where she worked as a standard-bearer.
“The most memorable experience there was making a connection with Aneka Seumanutafa of Ohio State University,” she says. “She signed one of her golf balls for me and left me a hand-written note with words of encouragement. I also met UCLA’s Annabel Wilson, who signed my Chambers Bay hat.”
Makenna’s goal is to emulate Seumanutafa and Wilson by playing college golf, ideally at Grand Canyon University or Texas Christian, she said. Until then, she will continue to gain vital experience nearer to home where she is becoming used to playing in the somewhat dubious conditions. “When you play golf in Washington you encounter all sorts of weather,” she says. “I’ve competed in hail and 30 mph winds.”
Because of that, she has a good idea what she’ll be spending the scholarship money on. “I’ll probably get some all-weather gear to keep me warm during our cold months.”
Clearly, she has a sensible head on her shoulders.
Do you know a worthy youth golfer that loves the game and could use a boost with some much-needed funds to help them continue to write the life narrative in the sport? Send an email about your nominee and why they are worthy to our editor and publisher at tonydear71@comcast.net and stephens@varsitycommunications.com.
Cascade Golfer and Duke’s Seafood congratulate this year’s winners
Brigitte Fenton Auburn Mountainview High School
Cleveland High School Golf Team
