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We take immense pride in hearing stories of our alumnae thriving across the globe. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable success of Sophie (Class of 2017), who was recently named the 2025 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year by the Gateway PGA.
As one of the first RMS students to embark on a US sports scholarship journey, Sophie has transformed her passion for the game into a successful career at the prestigious Bellerive Country Club. We caught up with Sophie to discuss her recent award, her memories of life at RMS, and what it’s like to lead the way for women in the professional golf industry.
Congratulations on being named Gateway PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year! Can you tell us what this recognition means to you personally and professionally?
This award truly means a great deal! Personally, this award is a reminder that taking risks, moving across the world, and committing fully to something you love can lead to opportunities beyond what you initially imagine. Professionally, it’s incredibly affirming. It reflects not just my work ethic, but the people who have invested in me along the way – my mentors, colleagues, and the club that has trusted me with meaningful responsibility. To be recognised by my peers within the PGA of America is especially humbling because it represents respect from people who understand the demands of the profession.
You mentioned your mentor. How has mentorship shaped you?
Mentorship has been absolutely foundational to my career. My mentor, Mike, has shown me what leadership looks like when it’s done with integrity, humility, and consistency. He’s challenged me to think bigger, to lead confidently, and to stay grounded in why the work matters. That influence has shaped how I try to give back as well, particularly through my work with PGA HOPE, where I have the privilege of teaching veterans the game of golf. Working with veterans has reinforced many of the same values I learned through mentorship: patience, empathy, and leading with purpose. Being able to share the stage with Mike as he was inducted into the Hall of Fame makes the moment even more meaningful, because it represents not just individual achievement, but the ripple effect of mentorship and service.
As one of the first RMS students to pursue a US sports scholarship, what gave you the confidence to take that leap?
I don’t think it was a single moment of confidence, it was more a belief that the opportunity was worth the risk. I knew it would be challenging, but I also knew I would regret not trying.
RMS encouraged independence, curiosity, and ambition, and that environment made it feel acceptable to think beyond traditional pathways. I trusted that the skills I had developed would help me adapt, even if things felt uncertain at first.
How did your time at RMS, whether through the PE department, teachers, or the school culture, prepare you for being a student-athlete in the US?
RMS prepared me exceptionally well. Balancing academics, sport, and expectations was already a part of daily life, which mirrors the demands of being a student-athlete in the United States. The PE department emphasised teamwork, and resilience, while teachers supported high standards and accountability. Just as importantly, the school culture encouraged confidence and the belief that you belong wherever you’re willing to work hard.
Looking back at your time at RMS, are there any specific moments that sparked your passion for golf and/or your pursuit of an adventure overseas?
There wasn’t one defining moment, but rather a gradual realisation that golf could open doors far beyond the golf course. Competing, training, and representing a team made me curious about what else might be possible. The idea of combining education, sport, and travel became increasingly exciting.
RMS gave me exposure to opportunities and encouragement to see them as attainable, not out of reach.
Moving to the US on a scholarship is a huge life change. What were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenges were adapting to a new culture and being far from family while managing high expectations. Everything felt unfamiliar at first from the academic system to training schedules. I overcame it by leaning into routine, seeking support when I needed it, and reminding myself why I made the move in the first place. Sport teaches resilience, and those lessons became life skills very quickly.
Listen to a recent podcast episode, discussing the support RMS offers to those looking to study overseas in the USA.
Interview continued…
Many people associate golf scholarships only with playing. What led you to transition into the professional and management side of the industry at a prestigious club like Bellerive?
While playing will always be a huge part of my life, I became increasingly fascinated by the bigger picture of how clubs operate, how events are run, how teams are led, and how member experiences are shaped. My academic background also played a major role in that shift as I earned both my bachelor’s degree and MBA in finance, which sparked a strong interest in the business and strategic side of the industry. Golf is an incredibly dynamic business, and I realised I could make a meaningful impact beyond competition alone. Working at Bellerive has allowed me to combine my playing background with financial knowledge, leadership, management, and mentorship, which is incredibly fulfilling.
Golf and sports management are often seen as male-dominated fields. What advice would you give to current RMS pupils who are interested in pursuing a career in sports?
My advice would be to back yourself and not wait for permission. You don’t have to fit a mould to succeed. Work hard, seek out mentors, ask questions, and be willing to learn continuously. Your perspective is valuable precisely because it may be different. Confidence grows through action, not perfection, so take opportunities even when you don’t feel 100% ready.
If you could go back to your final year at RMS and give yourself one piece of extra advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to trust the process and not to be afraid of taking the unconventional path. You don’t need to have everything figured out, you just need to be willing to commit, adapt, and keep learning.
Growth often comes from stepping into the unknown, and that's where I have found that the most rewarding experiences are found.
Thank you to Sophie for sharing her amazing story. Congratulations again on being named Gateway PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year!
RELATED READ: ‘Aneka, Class of 2024: My Journey as a Student Athlete in the US’