PDGA #96512

In April 2022, Robert Burridge became one of the first two recipients of Ulibarri Leadership Foundation scholarships when he won the Division 1 men's singles title at the College Disc Golf National Championships.

He was awarded $4000 from the Foundation in order to support his studies. He truly represents the best of the sport and is an outstanding model of the students that the Foundation aims to support.

University: University of Michigan

Major/Minor/Program: Movement Science Major at the School of Kinesiology with an Applied Statistics Minor

Expected Year of Graduation: December 2022

When/how did you first get into disc golf?

I first got into disc golf through my dad taking me out playing while I was still in middle school. I found Bayou City Disc Golf Club and made a ton of friends who I played with weekly. That was my starting point and I just kept playing!

How has disc golf impacted your college experience so far?

It has impacted my college experience positively so far. It provides an outlet when I want to be outside and relax between being in class and studying, and I've made multiple valuable friendships while playing with the team.

What do you think is the most important quality in a disc golf athlete?

I think the most important quality is the ability to have fun. Not everything will go your way in a tournament, so really accepting it and continuing to enjoy yourself even when things go wrong is a very important quality and life skill.

How is the scholarship money from Ulibarri Leadership Foundation going to support your studies?

The scholarship money is going directly to tuition!

What advice would you give to a middle school student who is just starting to play disc golf?

I would advise them to keep playing and practicing, but to recognize that there are more important things in life than disc golf. For me this was the relationships in my life, as well as the grades and possible academic future I could have.

In an ideal world, what would your life look like in 5 years?

In 5 years I would ideally be on the disc golf pro tour, supporting myself and enjoying my job!

Anything else you want to share about your disc golf journey so far?

I would like to thank the people in Texas and Michigan for all the support up to this point, and let them know that I couldn't have achieved anything like I have without their help and good wishes!

PDGA #119161

In April 2022, Whitney Brown won her second College Disc Golf National Championship Women's Division 1 title, defending her crown from 2021. This year, she was awarded a $4000 scholarship from the Ulibarri Leadership Foundation to support her continuing studies.

Her drive and passion represent the best of what we hope to see in future scholarship recipients.

University: Southern Arkansas University

Major/Minor/Program: Marine Biology

Expected Year of Graduation: May 2023

When/how did you first get into disc golf?

I got into Disc golf around the beginning of 2019. One of my friends had started playing and then he taught me how to play and I really enjoyed it so I stuck with it.

How has disc golf impacted your college experience so far?

Disc golf has had a huge impact on my college experience, definitely for the better! I have made so many new and what will be life long friends along with playing with people that are all amazing. It's a whole different environment compared to other sports I have played and I love it!

What do you think is the most important quality in a disc golf athlete?

A most important quality is hard... Obviously it is a sport and it is competitive so an important quality would be being able to learn and grow as you play. Even if you are one of the best of the best you can always learn something and grow as a player no matter what, so it's important to continue to learn and grow.

How is the scholarship money from Ulibarri Leadership Foundation going to support your studies?

This scholarship is covering a whole semester of school for me that would have had to come out of my pocket if I did not receive any more scholarships. And I am beyond thankful to have won and got the chance to receive it. Because I am going into my 7th year of college because I have received one degree and am pursuing another many of my scholarships that I did have were only for 4 years and I'm a little past that lol. Many scholarships I have received since have been $500 or $1000 which is great! Every penny helps but for this scholarship to cover a whole semester of tuition for me is amazing!

What advice would you give to a middle school student who is just starting to play disc golf?

My biggest advice is to not quit and get out there and play as much as possible! There will be days when you get so annoyed you want to quit and not play but it's just part of the process. The more you play the better you will get and in just 6 months or less you can see a huge difference in your game if you are consistent with it! AND you never what will be in store if you do pursue it! I never thought I would have won Collegiate Individual Nationals once – much less twice – and I never thought I would be where I am today in the sport.

In an ideal world, what would your life look like in 5 years?

In 5 years I would have finished my marine biology degree, if the opportunity arises I would love to play disc golf competitively outside college, if not then I would be a marine biologist and play disc golf in my free time!

Anything else you want to share about your disc golf journey so far?

While the girls side of disc golf is still growing one thing I would want to say to anyone who is thinking or considering starting to play, or maybe they are scared to start because no one wants to be bad at something, I would say just start playing and at least try it out because you never know what can happen! :)