To some, golf can mean so much more than a game. To Celine Copeland it means family, humbleness and, as of two years ago, golf also represents perseverance.

Before the 2015 Alberta Junior & Juvenile Championship, Copeland suffered a heart-breaking injury. She says she is still recovering from a torn ligament in her wrist, after making the decision to withdraw from the competition and to retire for the season.

“In September of 2015, I had wrist surgery and now a year later my wrist is starting to feel better, and I am trying to slowly get back into golf. It has been extremely hard for me not to be able to play, since golf has been such a big part of my life for the last couple of years.”

To many, the set back may seem unsurmountable, but for Copeland it meant moving forward. While healing on the sidelines, she channeled her competitive spirit and love for the game to give back and achieve her goals.

In 2016, she was selected as her class’ Valedictorian. Volunteering at her church, at the library and lending 120 hours of time with Youth Central, Copeland was awarded Citizen of the Year and Premier’s Citizenship Awards in her final year of high school. Now at Mount Royal University, she continues to help-out and maintain honours.

Having made the Team Alberta Development Squad in 2015, Copeland helps to encourage others to play golf within Willow Park Golf Club’s Junior Girls Interclub program. She also volunteers for Golf Canada Girls Club programs and Alberta Golf community events. Her next step is to start a Best Buddies Club at MRU. As the current VP, she says the group will attempt to “encourage friendships and the acceptance of those with special needs.”

Competitive golf is still in the picture, with Copeland determined to get back on the course. With the help of a 2016 Alberta Golf Foundation scholarship, she also looks to translate her passion into a communications career within the golf industry. Amongst all of her current, present and future achievements, Copeland stays humble. She says that giving back is easy when golf has given her so much.

“Golf has made me a better person and has instilled in me great values. I will treasure all the amazing experiences on the golf course as I continue to play golf for the rest of my life. Golf has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities.”

The deadline to apply for a 2017 Alberta Golf Foundation scholarship is July 16. For more information click here.