June Woman of the Month

Alex Harrell

Last Wednesday, Auburn sophomore Alex Harrell, from Phenix City, Alabama, was named as a Women's Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar. Alex finished second on the team with a 74.86 stroke average and was the co-medalist at the 36-hole Lady Bulldog Individual Tournament in February. The sophomore also tied for seventh at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She also recorded three top-15 finishes and five top-30 finishes during the 2013-14 season, helping the Tigers advance to the NCAA East Regional in Tallahassee, Florida. With her selection as a WGCA All-America Scholar, Alex has become the seventh different Auburn golfer since 2008 to get this recognition. To be selected for this award, a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 is required to make the team, and Alex was just accepted into the nursing program here at Auburn. Above everything else, she is a committed advocate of her brother’s fatal disease, Battens disease, and is constantly trying to raise awareness through her social media pages. An extremely dedicated athlete, student, and sister, we here at the Women’s Resource Center feel that Alex is a fabulous example for our young women here at Auburn, showing them what a hard-working, determined, and ambitious woman looks like.

1. I’m sure you had multiple choices coming out of high school for golf scholarships around the country at different universities, so why did you choose Auburn?
I chose Auburn University for many different reasons. I love the city of Auburn. It's a great small town. The school is one of the best in Alabama and I really wanted to stay in state. The golf team, golf facility, and athletic support services are one of the best in the nation. Our short game facility is amazing. I also grew up forty minutes down the road and really wanted to stay close to home. I've known Coach Kim since I came to summer golf camp before 7th grade, so I knew that I wanted to play for her. You also can't beat the Auburn family. It's amazing to know that I'm a part of it.

2. What challenges do you face managing your golf practices, matches, and workouts with your academic studies?
Having enough time to get things done. I want to do so well in golf and school so trying to balance it sometimes gets hard. Practices some days can be long and then add in having a big test coming up makes for long days.

3. What advice would you give to other Auburn students in regards to your effective time management skills?
I'm a visual person so I write out my schedule weekly. We get our golf schedule for the week every Sunday. So then when I know exactly what we are doing I block out times as study or rest if I happen to have an open night. I suggest just realizing when it's time to work and when it's time to relax. Everyone is different and will find the best way that works for them.

4. How long have you been playing golf?
I have been playing golf for just over nine years now. I picked it up from my Dad. I used to go with him when he played and would be the flag girl. One day I asked if I could try and he said of course. We got a starter set the next day and I have been playing ever since.

5. What are your hobbies or areas of interest outside of your academic studies and golf commitments?
I love reading books. I'm a huge book worm. I'm not able to read a lot when I'm in classes, so over the breaks I read as many books as I can. I also like swimming. I have a pool back home so I'm able to go jump in whenever I'm there. I'm also a huge Disney fan. My brother's niche is movies, so growing up we always watched them.

6. What are your plans after you graduate from Auburn in 2016?
After I graduate I will study for the NCLEX. That is the exam I have to pass in order to become an RN. After that I hope to get a job. I do not know exactly what type of nurse I want to be yet but I have time. I want to go back after getting some experience in the field to obtain my Master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner.

7. What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment so far?
I think my greatest accomplishment so far has been getting All-American Scholar. It has been one of my main goals for my freshman and sophomore seasons. I didn't get it my freshman year because I did not play in enough tournaments to be considered. So to be recognized for my hard work not only on the golf course but in the classroom is a great feeling.

8. How has your family impacted your aspirations?
My family and I are very close. My parents are amazing. I'm lucky to have them. They always supported me in everything that I've done. Their only rule is that I gave 100% and never gave up. I knew that I wanted to play college golf in the 8th grade and so they let me start playing more tournaments and we traveled all over the country. My brother is the one that inspired me to want to become a nurse. I want to be the one to help others during a time of need or uncertainty.

9. Who do you admire/look up to and why?
I look up to and admire my mom, April Harrell. We have a great relationship and are very close. She is the one that I call when I need to vent and she will listen to me no matter what. She's also a tough woman. With my brother getting progressively worse, I know it's hard on her. But her motto has always been to either laugh or cry, so she chooses to look at the bright side of everything that has happened. I admire the strength she has and hope that I can have at least half of it someday.

10. If you could’ve played any other college sport, what would it be and why?
I would have wanted to play volleyball. I enjoy playing it for fun. My favorite part is when I get to serve the ball. I may have been too short for it though.

11. If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be and why?
In golf we have to play the ball as it lies. Which means no matter where it ends up you play it from there. I would want to change the rule to where you could improve your lie if you ended up in a divot in the fairway. It is frustrating when you hit a great drive and end up in a divot.

12. What is something that people don’t know about you?
Most people don't know that I'm a thrill seeker. I love going on roller coasters, sling shots, or water slides. I actually went sky diving last year while I was in California for a tournament. It was so much fun so I can't wait to go again.