Amelia Grohn's Journey Through Golf And Life

Story written by Iowa State Athletics Communications student assistant Justin Farrell

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard understood the feeling of losing a year of eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pollard's push for an extra year for senior collegiate athletes all over the United States had a major impact on Iowa State seniors, especially Cyclone golfer Amelia Grohn.

Grohn, who was in the midst of her would-be final season in 2019-20 when competition was shut down, had been a staple in the Cyclone lineup since 2016.

She had an important decision to make on April 13, 2020. After thinking it over, Grohn announced her return to the Cardinal and Gold for a fifth year, wrapping up a career where she is the school's all-time leader in rounds played (138).

"I have met some amazing people on the way and holding a record is really nice, but just to enjoy myself through every round is important," stated Grohn. "I don't think I have ever had a round where I didn't learn something from it. You are always learning something every round, and I am just grateful for that."

Grohn has used this unique opportunity to improve her game against some of the best collegiate golfers in the world.

"To be able to play more golf against the competition that we do is amazing because these are future women that are going to be on the Tour," Grohn said. "To be able to play another year in the Big 12 Conference is a great opportunity."

Iowa State head women's golf coach Christie Martens has noticed a change in Grohn in the past year, especially in her willingness to be a leader on a young team.

"She's a phenomenal leader, on and off the golf course," Martens said. "You can see she cares so much about her teammates and how they can be better. She does the right things, and she wants to be a leader. She's had a phenomenal impact because of that piece and she does so many things right and is a great listener and cares so deeply about others."

During the pandemic, Grohn focused on strengthening her mind on and off the course.

"My decision to return has impacted me a lot in the sense it has given me another year to grow my confidence in the game. I have also used this time for a lot of self-reflection," Grohn shared.

Golf has been a part of Grohn's life for a long time. Born and raised in Coffs Harbour, Australia, Grohn was a member of the Jack Newton Development squad and played on Australia's Inter-District Team.

Freshman Charley Jacobs, a fellow Australian, is now taking a path similar to Grohn's this season.

"Having another Aussie on the team is always a privilege," Grohn said. "Not being at home for a little while, it is nice to have some Aussie blood on the team. Just to have a little comfort and to be able to help her slowly integrate into the Iowa State community and America itself. I am really happy I got to stay on another year and help her in that way."

Jacobs is learning from someone who understands the transition from Australia to the United States.

The desire to play for Iowa State and the love of learning new things made the transition easier for Grohn.

"The coaches were a big factor in my decision to come to Iowa State," said Grohn. "Coach Martens is a person that really cares about you on and off the golf course. I really enjoyed that about getting to know the coaches. The facilities are also the best in the country, so who wouldn't want to practice here?"

Martens, who is in her 17^th season as the ISU head coach, has meant a lot to Grohn and the entire program and has left a lasting impact on every player she has coached.

"My confidence has grown so much being under coach, she is just this person that will come to practice or a tournament and she will bring to light all your amazing qualities and things you want to work on, and every day is a growing mentality and I like that. I definitely believe I am a better person after working with coach," said Grohn.

The team has learned a lot from the pandemic and their time together during this season.

"I believe we have grown a lot. You need to be grateful to be able to play another season," Grohn said. "Some teams got cut so to be able to realize how grateful we are for being able to play in the field we do with these facilities we have under the coaches we have. I think gratefulness is a big word for us this year."

The experiences Grohn has gained from playing golf in two different countries has taught her many life lessons. For most people the game of golf is just simply a sport, but for Grohn golf has a double meaning.

"It is a sport where you do one little thing right and you want to keep coming back for more and just keep on improving," Grohn stated. "I think it is a lot like life, you hit one shot and you only get one shot at a particular task in life."

Grohn will need another transition after Iowa State to fulfil a dream of hers.

"I want to go professional so we will see where life takes me. I really just want to see where I will go professionally," Grohn said.

Grohn has left a lasting impact on the program. Iowa State and Grohn will have a lifetime connection.

"I am proud of myself in the lady I am becoming," Grohn admitted. "Some of the stuff I have been through in the University and up, not many people really get to go through it. I am grateful to have the opportunity and I would do it again if I had the chance."

Grohn knows the season is not over for the Cyclones but looking back on her career can only put a smile on her face.

"Just being able to play every round as a Cyclone means a lot and I will forever be grateful to be a Cyclone," Grohn said.