STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – MADDIE HORRIGAN

They say big things sometimes come in small packages, and Maddie Horrigan of Hudson, Ohio, epitomizes that. Not only is she a champion swimmer standing at just 5′ 2″, she also has experienced success at the high school and collegiate level in golf.

She came to USGTF professional Rick Zivsak after playing golf for the first time with her dad, with the goal of making the high school team. There was just one problem: tryouts were in just 40 days. Maddie had to go from a complete beginner to high school athlete in that short period of time. But she succeeded, with Zivsak saying she had one of the greatest work ethics he had ever seen. And being a swimmer, Maddie certainly didn’t mind practicing in the rain, which she did. Maddie wound up making the junior varsity squad and impressively broke 50 later that season.

She went on to swim competitively at Mount Union College in Ohio, but was invited by the golf coach to try out for that squad. She made the team for a unique two-sport accomplishment. Maddie believes that one of her strengths is that she celebrates winning but also embraces failure, which can teach valuable lessons. Diagnosed with epilepsy, Maddie plans on becoming a physician’s assistant because she’s very interested in how the brain works due to her diagnosis. She also wants to work in an underserved community in order to give back. She will be starting graduate school in May in pursuit of her career dream.

As for Zivsak, Maddie has nothing but high praise for him. “No words can describe the impact he has had on me,” she said. “He has the biggest heart and is so positive. Golf has changed my life.”