USD 305
At nine years old, Coronado Elementary student Ashtyn Hooper competed in the North American One-Armed Golfers Association (NAOAGA) Junior Championship in Easley, South Carolina, and secured a second-place finish. Her success is a powerful reminder that the game of golf – and life itself – is open to all, no matter the obstacles.
Hooper, who is missing her left hand, has been around golf her entire life. Her dad, Jason Hooper, is head golf coach at South High School. Ashtyn Hooper began at local practice facilities, increasing her strength to swing the club. She moved on to playing shortened holes and participated in First Tee classes at the Salina Municipal Golf Course.
“We tried to keep it fun and let her go at her own pace,” explained Jason. “We wanted her to enjoy playing the game.” Her family was there to help creatively with challenges. “We made homemade prosthetics to help her attach her arm to the club, which allows her to swing with both arms,” said Jason.
Practice isn’t just about golf at the Hoopers.
“Ashtyn is enjoying just being a kid and participating in a wide variety of activities such as tumbling, basketball, volleyball, singing and theatre. She loves being a student at Coronado Elementary School," Jason Hooper said.
The summer trip to South Carolina was a highlight for Ashtyn’s family.
“It’s been such a blessing to discover all the opportunities that exist for kids with physical impairments,”Jason Hooper said. “It has been so much fun for her and our entire family to meet other people similar to Ashtyn and watch them excel in life, just as she has.”
Ashtyn couldn’t agree more.
“The trip was amazing,” she said. “I was so excited when I got second place and I can’t wait to do it again!”
