The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is delighted to announce the 2021 recipients of the Ann Griffel Scholarship Award (Griffel is pictured above in sport coat). Hannah Fangmann, Madeline Streicher, Amara Lytl, Isabelle Schneidermann and Anna Nacos will receive a one-year scholarship of $2,000. These girls will join the group of 242 other students to have received this award since 1963.
Hannah Fangmann, of Peosta, is the daughter of Jeremy and Brenda Fangmann and will be attending Wartburg College to study business administration in the fall.
“After college, I believe golf can help me establish connections in the business world that could potentially help me get a job, gain a customer, or make a sale,” Fangmann said. “I also hope to share what I have learned and eventually coach future youth golfers. Ultimately, I am grateful for all I’ve learned through golf and will apply it to my future life experiences to be the best person I can be.”
Madeline Streicher, of Edgewood, is the daughter of Darrel and Lisa Streicher. She plans to attend Simpson College this fall and study biochemistry.
“The game of golf has made an immeasurable impact on my life,” Streicher said. ” In the future, due to golf being such a positive and powerful experience in my life, I would love to be able to make an impact in other young people’s lives as well, maybe as a mentor or coach. One thing I am sure of is that I will teach my children to golf. I feel that it’s important for them to learn the sport that has impacted my life so tremendously.”
Amara Lytle, of Cedar Falls, is the daughter of Aaron and Shelli Lytle. Amara will be attending St. Ambrose University and will study industrial engineering in the fall.
“Learning and observing my dad, he helped me realize practicing and playing golf will not only improve my game and course management, but enhance life management skills,” Lytle said. “Skills that will improve my golf game and will boost my overall social awareness and ability to establish and maintain relationships.”
Isabelle Schneidermann, of Rock Rapids, is the daughter of Scott and Natalie Schneidermann. She plans to attend Northwestern College (Orange City) in the fall and study actuarial science.
“The sport (of golf) is very competitive, but also can be very conversational,” Schneidermann said. “This is one of the many things I love about the sport. Some of my best friends have been other people I have golfed with throughout the years. I enjoy finding someone who is better than me and pushing myself to beat them. The feeling you get when you finally do is unmatched. There are many reasons I love this game.”
Anna Nacos, of Washington, is the daughter of Dave and Lisa Nacos. In the fall she will attend the University of Northern Iowa to study biology.
“The game of golf has been so much more than just a sport in my life,” Nacos said. “Throughout my career I have made the best memories, made new friendships, and received the opportunity to play golf in college. I can truly say that golf has been a huge benefit in my life and I am grateful to play such a great sport.”
The Ann Griffel Scholarship was established in 1963. It originated as just one $350 scholarship awarded by the Iowa Women’s Golf Association (IWGA) and 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 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 each year. This scholarship was named after the long time IWGA President, Ann Griffel, who during her 23 year term started the Girls’ State Junior, Forever 39, State Wife-Husband and Senior Women’s Championships.