The WSCGA Vicki Hillen JGF Bob Handler Scholarship is awarded to three female golfers in pursuit of higher educational opportunities who demonstrate an aptitude for golf and reflect the game's inherent positive values. Each recipient will receive a one-time $3,000 scholarship. These recipients have a record of pursuing and accomplishing goals in golf, school, and the community, and are committed to a vision for their future.
2026 Recipients
Ella Kate Barnett
Galivants Ferry, SC
Aynor High School
Class 3A Individual State Champion 2024, 2025
In addition to a highly decorated high school golf career, Ella Kate has been active in academic organizations such as the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Advanced Chorus, and Student Council. She volunteers as the Children's Church Director at Oakey Swamp Baptist Church, where she also serves as the Youth Choir Director.
This fall, Ella Kate will be joining the golf team at Anderson University, where she plans to double major in Business and Interior Design.
"A natural leader, she exudes class and confidence..."
-Kristi Coggins
Julia Conroy
Greenville, SC
St. Joseph's Catholic School
2-time SCJCS Varsity Golf MVP and Team Captain 2025
Outside of golf, where she served as a key component for her team, Julia is highly active in her school and community. She is a member of multiple National Honor Societies and volunteers with organizations like The First Tee, where she enjoys passing on her love of the game to future generations.
This fall, Julia plans to attend Berry College, where she will compete on the golf team and study Animal Science with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
"She continues to step up as a mentor to our younger participants..."
-Michael Pius, PGA
Kate Gunnells
Belton, SC
Belton-Honea Path High School
4-Time MVP and Region Player of the Year
In addition to a fantastic golf career, Kate has spent her spare time serving her fellow student-athletes and the community around her. She is involved with Beta Club, Rotary, and National Honor Society. She also serves as the Student Body President and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and many others.
Kate intends to continue her education at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort this fall.
"...she has impressed me as a student of strong character, determination, and leadership." -Darcy Crenshaw
Upcoming Scholarship Deadline - Feb. 1st
The Marilynn Smith Scholarship 2025-2026
The Marilynn Smith Scholarship is granted annually through The LPGA Foundation in collaboration with the Golf It Forward Foundation. Established in 1999 by Marilynn with the proceeds of a golf tournament she organized, the objective of the Marilynn Smith Scholarship is to provide a scholarship to a female high school senior who has played golf in high school or in her community and will play collegiate golf or has signed a letter of intent to play golf at an accredited college or university in the United States.
The Marilynn Smith Scholarship will be awarded to high school seniors from the United States and Canada who will be playing golf at the collegiate level. Multiple $5,000 scholarships will be awarded in 2026.
About the WSCGA - Vicki Hillen Junior Golf Foundation
The WSCGA Vicki Hillen Junior Golf Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission is to promote junior golf in the State of South Carolina by providing golf scholarships, playing and teaching the game of golf, and promoting amateur golf.
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