Kathyrn Cressy, a student at Regina Dominican, recently received a Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship to attend the University of Illinois next fall. For over 85 years, the Western Golf Association has administered the Evans Scholarship, the nation’s largest privately funded scholarship program providing full tuition and housing, Regina Dominican said in its announcement. Cressy answered some Shout Out questions about winning the award.
Q. Can you tell us about your reaction to winning the award?
A. I learned about the scholarship about three weeks ago. I received a letter in the mail about the decision that the committee made. Words cannot describe how elated I was. I had been anxious to hear back from the committee after my interview. I was also happy to know that I had received it to University of Illinois, which has been my top choice college since I was 13. I still cannot believe that I have this amazing opportunity, I keep rereading both my acceptance letter from University of Illinois and the letter I received from the Evans Scholarship Foundation just to make sure it is real!
Q. What led you to caddying?
A. My dad got me caddying at Bryn Mawr Country Club when I was 13. My dad’s entire family had caddied there when they were teenagers, so I had to carry the torch. My dad also knew about the scholarship and wanted me to pursue it.
Q. Have you picked up some important lessons through the experience?
A. Over the past four seasons, I have definitely grown as a caddy. Caddies obviously have to be able to spot a golfer’s ball and tend to their needs throughout the round. However, I think a good caddy is always willing to go above and beyond. You have to constantly push yourself to improve. I also think that you can’t be shy. In my experience, many golfers like to converse with their caddies, keeping a golfer company can make them feel more relaxed and help them have a better round.
Q. What do you plan to focus on at Illinois?
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A. II am currently enrolled in the Division of General Studies at University of Illinois. I am not certain of what I want to major in yet but I am looking forward to exploring my options and finding something I am passionate about during my freshman year.
—Bob Seidenberg, Pioneer Press
Shout Out is a weekly feature where we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago