DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 9, 2024) — The LPGA Foundation announced that Ashaunta Epps has been named the inaugural recipient of the Carrie Russell Champion for Change Award. This new award recognizes an LPGA Professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within golf. Nominees are selected based on their innovative initiatives, community impact, and advocacy for creating opportunities in the game for underrepresented groups, all in the spirit of the late Carrie Russell.
Carrie Russell, a true pioneer in the LPGA, broke barriers by becoming the first Black American to achieve Class A and LPGA Master Life Professional Member status. As the first President of the LPGA Professionals Northeast Section, she served as a role model for future generations of female golf professionals, paving the way with her perseverance and commitment to building community. In her memory, the Carrie Russell Champion for Change Award was created to honor those who build on her legacy of empowerment and progress.
Ashaunta Epps embodies the very qualities the award seeks to celebrate. As the CEO and Founder of A Perfect Swing, Inc., Epps has made it her mission to continue making golf more accessible to everyone. She teaches the game as a vehicle for career advancement and personal development, particularly for youth in underserved communities, and even boasts a 99% college acceptance rate among her students. Through her nonprofit foundation, she provides young people with opportunities to experience the game of golf while also teaching leadership and networking skills. Epps has introduced over 3,500 women and over 5,000 youth to the game of golf. Her innovative approach to her many programs blends her passion for golf with her dedication to growing the game.
Her leadership in the LPGA is equally impressive. As an LPGA Class A Professionals Member, she has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the 2024 LPGA Southeast Section Junior Leader of the Year, 2022 and 2021 LPGA Southeast Section Professional of the Year, and 2020 Teacher of the Year. Her work as President of the LPGA Southeast Section and her involvement with national initiatives further highlight her influence in the golf community.
In addition to her success on the golf course, Epps is a respected leader in the broader community, serving as a mentor and advocate for youth, particularly young women and minorities. Her work with organizations like the Coalition for Teens Helping Teens and Polished Pearls Leadership Seminars for Teen Girls underscores her dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders.
Robin Gibbs, daughter of Carrie Russell, reflected on the importance of the award: “My mom was fearless in everything she set her mind to accomplish. She approached every challenge with self-reflection and perseverance, and I’m so proud that this award will recognize others who embody that same mindset. Ashaunta Epps is a true champion for change, and I’m thrilled to see her honored in this way.”
“I am deeply honored to receive the Carrie Russell Champion for Change Award,” expressed Epps. “Carrie Russell paved the way for future generations of LPGA Professionals like me. Her legacy in golf is one of groundbreaking leadership and service to others, and I strive to continue her work by creating opportunities for individuals who have been historically underrepresented in the game.”
“This award is a testament to the collective efforts of all those working to make golf a more inclusive sport, and not just regarding race, but inclusive for those with differing ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and physical capabilities. I am proud to be part of that movement.”
Epp’s work and legacy align perfectly with the values of this new award, and she will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of golfers, particularly women of color, to break barriers and make a lasting impact.
