Teen Earns Life-Changing Scholarship Through Caddying Experience

When considering college scholarships, one may not immediately think that a caddying job at a golf course could lead to one. However, one prestigious program is helping make that happen for 18-year-old Sophie Perry, who just graduated from North Central High School.

Perry spent the last four years honing her skills at Highland Golf & Country Club in Indianapolis, often working diligently on hot summer days and learning the ins and outs of caddying. She said, "I didn't know anything about caddying at all, or even golf, and so it was definitely a learning curve... I only became good at it in my second year."

Initially, the scholarship seemed far-fetched for Perry, but her dedication and encouragement from the foundation ultimately led her to apply and be accepted into the Evans Scholars program, a prestigious initiative through the Western Golf Association.

"Caddying is definitely such the underdog of sports scholarships," Perry told WRTV. The Evans Scholarship Foundation is the nation's largest privately funded scholarship program, aiming to create scholarship opportunities for deserving caddies.

Founded in 1930 by golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., the foundation has awarded over 12,000 scholarships across the United States and this year, they've awarded more than 360. In Indiana, partner universities include Indiana University, Purdue University, and Notre Dame.

Perry was able to maintain a 4.0 GPA to earn the $125,000 scholarship. She said, "Both of my parents have very morally rewarded jobs, but it's not always the most financially rewarding field... So, it's really great to not only have that financial burden but also to have that community."

Fundamental to the program is teaching kids valuable skills, including networking, professionalism and perseverance. Foundation director Nick Svarczkopf himself is an alumnus of the Evans Scholars program and encourages students to apply for the program.

"If you're willing to work hard and you're a great student and you've got financial need, it's a great program to get involved in," he said. Perry was one of 19 caddies across Indiana to earn the scholarship for the upcoming school year.

This fall, she will be attending Indiana University, where she plans to study biology, bringing her one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a doctor.