(May 29, 2014)–Jael Alexandria Mitchell is an energetic 10-year old who won’t let challenges stop her. Born and residing in Tampa, Florida, where the weather is nice and sunny, she started playing at age five. She became familiar with the game when a close friend of her mom mentioned golf for girls. The interest was sparked, her parents eagerly enrolled her and in an after school golf program at MacFarlane park IB.
“I haven’t figured out my handicap yet,” says the fourth grader, but, her former golf trainers Coach Lewis and Coach Terry at Tampa’s MacFarlane Park, know that she is headed for success. In fact, she has already had the pleasure to hit balls with professional golf legend Jim Dent, as he affectionately calls her “Lil bit”. “I believe that it is important that all kids know that golf is cool, exciting and you have already won if you tried your hardest” she says.
Jael may be just less than 4-feet tall, but she does not think small. She has big plans for herself with a personal goal of being a member of the JPGA at age 11. “I am currently an Eagle with First Tee of Tampa Bay,” she says proudly. “And I love seeing and plotting where the ball will go.” Playing regularly helps Jael stay focused on reaching her goals and seeing the works of God and all his wonders.
“I had my first golf training at First Tee of Tampa Bay by Coach Willie and Coach Mel,” she reveals. However, the ongoing rigors of practice and training takes its toll, and, the youth does struggle with a little pain at times—the result of an automobile accident several years ago, whereby she sustained a back injury.
“Sometimes, I just can’t play because, my back hurts, but, I strategize for my next opportunity to play the game again.” She has been steadily working on her game and won first place in a scramble in 2012 at County Way Golf Course.
When Jael is not out on the course playing, or studying her favorite subject math, she is happy spending time with Jayden—her pet Australian Silkey Terrier. She is a multi-talented youth who also plays piano, violin and guitar. Jael is also a singer and is known to lead her church’s youth choir called Hearts of Praise of Rivers of Life in Tampa Florida. She is skilled in ballet and says that she absolutely “loves, loves, to tap dance.” She has had the opportunity to see the famous Dance Theater of Harlem and smiles at the tapppppping and the attitude.
Her home course is the Historical Roger Park Golf Course in Tampa, Fla., where she plays at least four times a month. She also participates regularly on the golf team at Terrace Hills in Temple Terrace, Fla.
Jael is destined to reach her goals. She is confident on-and-off the course and plays to win and gives God all the praise in whatever she attempts. Small but mighty are her words. She knows and believes that…. If you have faith as much as a mustard seed…..All is possible. Matthew 17:20.
