Hello! My name is Grace Appel and I am the 2021 P.J. Boatwright Intern for the MSGA. I am from Severna Park, Maryland and I am an undergraduate student at Towson University. I am majoring in Sport Management, as well as minoring in Business. I attended Severna Park High School where I played on the varsity tennis and golf team for all four years and served as golf team captain my senior year. I first started playing golf when I was very young with my grandfather and family, and soon participated in the junior golf program at our local country club which led to my competitive career in golf. Now, I enjoy playing leisure golf in the summers mostly with my grandfather. I am so excited for this opportunity with the MSGA, and the rest of my career in the sport management industry!
How did you hear about the internship with the MSGA?
As I approached the second semester of my junior year in college, I was intensely searching for internships to prepare me for my future career following graduation in the next year. One of my professors sent an email to all of the students in the department with “sport management opportunities”. I skimmed through and found this internship listed. After reading through the description, I immediately knew it would be the perfect fit for me, incorporating my relationship with golf and my studies in sport management.
Why were you interested in an internship with the MSGA?
My passion in sport management lies in the events industry, and I have a strong history with golf, so what is a better combination than interning for an organization involving golf events? I researched the MSGA before applying, and connected strongly with their emphasis on providing and improving opportunities for youth and women’s golf, as those are aspects I have dealt with in my experience with golf. Overall, I felt this internship checked all of the right boxes for me, and would be a great first step to gain hands-on experience toward my career goal.
What is your favorite golf course in the area?
Chartwell Golf and Country Club has always been my favorite and go-to course. It was one of the first courses I ever played and practiced at when I was little, where I had my first golf lessons, and where I did my first junior golf programs. It was really where my golf career began. Chartwell was also my high school’s home course. I have many fun memories with family and friends there, and I’ve always been amazed by how beautiful the course is.
When did you start playing golf? Who got you into the game?
I don’t remember the exact time frame when I started playing golf, but I was young. In my family, golf was always on the TV, a topic of conversation, and if I wasn’t playing I was riding in the cart while my Grandfather, Dad, and family played. It was sort of natural how I got into the game because I grew up around golf and it was always a part of my life. If I had to choose, I would say my Grandfather, and my high school golf coach, Coach Buck, really got me into the game.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I love to spend time with family and friends, especially outdoors (if it’s nice) or at my favorite place, the beach. I enjoy cooking, listening to music, and decorating/fashion.
