2024 Ann Griffel Scholars announced
The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) congratulates the 2024 recipients of the Ann Griffel (above right) Scholarship Award: Isabella Pettersen, Brenna Bodensteiner, Olivia Axmear, Avery Lichter, and Malaina Elliott. Each recipient will be awarded a one-year scholarship of $2,000. Since 1963, the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award has been helping students further their education. A total of 263 students have earned the honor of receiving this prestigious scholarship.
Isabella Pettersen, of North Liberty, is the daughter of Mike and Debbi Pettersen and plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa to major in business.
“Receiving this scholarship reinforces my commitment to persevering and growing the game of golf, especially for underrepresented athletes,” she said. “I am truly honored and humbled to be chosen for this scholarship.”
Brenna Bodensteiner, of Waverly, is the daughter of Greg and Amy Bodensteiner. She plans to play basketball and golf at Wartburg College while majoring in kinesiology.
“To me, receiving this scholarship means I am honored to be selected as a leader in the next generation of golf,” she said. “The sport of golf is so mentally challenging and difficult. However, it is also extremely fun. I want next generations to have the opportunity to experience the game the same way I have. Additionally, I am thankful to receive money to help me pay for my education and continue golf career.”
Olivia Axmear, of Nevada, is the daughter of Elaine and Will Axmear. She will attend the University of Dubuque and major in human health science.
“Receiving this scholarship is a huge honor,” she said. “The sport of golf has become such a huge part of my life and I am grateful that I was chosen to represent this scholarship and organization. I hope to continue to inspire younger girls to join the game of golf so they can experience the same impact the sport has had for me.”
Avery Lichter, of Algona, is the daughter of Thad and Mindy Lichter and plans to attend Iowa State University to study Landscape Architecture
“Receiving this scholarship is such a great honor and signifies a tremendous opportunity for personal and academic growth,” she said. “It represents not only financial support but also a vote of confidence in my potential to make a meaningful impact within my studies at Iowa State.”
Malaina Elliott, of Dallas Center, is the daughter of Mindy and Jason Elliott. She plan to attend the University of Iowa to major in English with a minors in sports studies and Spanish.
“Receiving this scholarship is an honor, as it honors a woman who has made a great impact on not only golf but also women’s sports,” she said. “With that being said this scholarship is amazing as it allows me to continue my educational pursuits and goals of becoming an advocate for female athletes while also honoring a remarkable female athlete.”
The Ann Griffel Scholarship Award was established in 1963 as just one $350 scholarship awarded by the Iowa Women’s Golf Association (IWGA). The award has evolved into a $2,000 scholarship awarded to multiple high school senior girls who intend to further their education at an Iowa institution of higher learning, whether it be a college, university or trade school.
The Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) was established to preserve the game and develop more programs to promote the future of golf in Iowa. The IGAF awards the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award annually. This scholarship was named after the long-time IWGA President, Ann Griffel, who started the Girls’ State Junior, Forever 39 Match Play, State Wife-Husband and the Senior Women’s Championships in her 23-year term.