Rachelle Lovett Houston has dedicated her life to making golf more accessible to underserved youth through her organization, Excel Youth Academy (EYA). Based in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Houston’s journey with golf began through her grandfather, John A. Lovett, the first Black man to own a golf course (Selma Golf Center) in Selma, Alabama. His pioneering work in the sport influenced her passion and commitment to fostering inclusivity in golf.
Through Excel Youth Academy, founded in April 2017, Houston has worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for young people to learn golf while integrating STEAM education, art, and culinary arts into the program. “Golf is not just a sport—it’s a tool for teaching life skills, discipline, and critical thinking,” Houston said. Her mission is to bridge the gap between sports and education, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder participation.
EYA collaborates with organizations such as First Tee, Jr. PGA, US Kids Golf, and WE ARE GOLF to expand access to the game. Through social media outreach, school partnerships, and community events, the academy has introduced over 2,000 young people to the sport. “We make sure kids from all backgrounds have a chance to experience golf and learn valuable life lessons along the way,” Houston explained.
One of Houston’s biggest challenges is finding time to focus on her own golf game. “We are constantly hosting clinics, tournaments, and exposure events for youth, so I rarely get to practice myself,” she admitted. To overcome this, she is working on scheduling dedicated practice time and playing rounds with students. Her last recorded golf handicap was 17, reflecting her ongoing engagement with the sport despite her packed schedule.
Houston graduated from Jackson State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and a minor in Marketing. She is a certified U.S. Kids Coach and a recipient of the Pinnacle Leadership Award from the Fortitude Educational and Cultural Development Center (FECDC). She served for two years as President of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). In recognition of her contributions through Excel Youth Academy since 2017, she received an official proclamation from the Georgia State Legislature for the organization’s impactful community work.
Excel Youth Academy remains funded through grants, sponsorships, and fundraising efforts, including the 9 & Dine Charity Golf Tournament. The WE ARE GOLF Foundation has been a crucial supporter, awarding EYA $10,000 in grant funding in both 2022 and 2024. Houston is grateful for the continued financial backing, stating, “These grants have allowed us to expand our programs and serve even more students.”
EYA’s commitment to affordability ensures that many of its programs are free or low-cost, thanks to community partnerships. Houston emphasizes that the academy is more than just a sports program. “Excel Youth Academy is a mentorship hub, a talent pipeline, and a space for learning,” she said. She envisions a future where golf is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background.
Looking ahead, the 41-year-old continues to advocate for diversity in golf and welcomes new partners and sponsors to join the academy’s mission. With a strong foundation and a growing network of supporters, EYA is poised to create lasting change in the world of junior golf and beyond. “Our goal is to keep breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of golfers and leaders,” Houston affirmed.
For more information, visit excelyouthacademy.com or follow Excel Youth Academy on Instagram (@eyacademy) and Facebook.
