Keiser University student athlete Carolin Alblas first fell in love with the game of golf as a ten-year-old growing up in Neuss, Germany.

“There was something about it that just clicked for me. Maybe it was the challenge, the focus it required, or the constant drive to get better with each round,” recalled Alblas who credits her former coach Fabian Hahn for igniting her lifelong dedication to the game. “He didn’t just teach me how to improve my swing or strategy. He showed me what it meant to be truly dedicated, and how hard work and persistence could open doors I didn’t even know existed. It was through his encouragement and belief in my potential that I found the confidence to push myself further. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to commit to golf, not just as a hobby but as a passion,” reflected Alblas, a Keiser University Golf Team member. “It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much I still want to achieve,” she said.

With her sights set on business leadership and possible entrepreneurial ventures, Alblas first majored in Business Administration and soon added a marketing concentration. The creative focus added additional fulfillment and was also an ode to the influence of her father Ruud, a successful executive whose passion for the profession has always served as an inspiration.

Now in her senior year, Alblas is savoring her short remaining time as a student-athlete and is quick to embrace extracurricular activities such as participation in the Go for the Greens Mentorship Program. The opportunity to attend the organization’s annual conference and Golf Scramble at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort in Orlando, Florida opened doors to further connections while providing additional tools to jumpstart success.

“The conference provided me with the opportunity to network with successful women in business, gaining insights into their journeys and the challenges they faced along the way. Engaging in discussions and workshops has also allowed me to develop essential skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and leadership. Hearing from industry experts has opened my eyes to the different aspects of the business world. These experiences have not only helped me build my confidence but also sparked my excitement for entering the business world after my graduation,” said Alblas whose team shot -9 in the scramble and came in second place.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Carolin for earning a place in the highly respected Go for the Greens Conference Mentorship Program. Her dedication to excelling both in the classroom and on the course is truly inspiring. Carolin exemplifies the kind of driven and well-rounded student-athlete we strive to have on our team. Her work ethic and determination set her apart, making this a well-deserved experience for Carolin,” said Brandon Miller, Keiser University’s Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach and the 2023-2024 Women’s Golf Coaches Association Coach of the Year.

Alblas advises others to embrace opportunities while recognizing there will always be a few obstacles to overcome.

“It’s natural to wonder if you’re truly ready for something new or challenging, but I’ve learned that if an opportunity presents itself, it’s because you have the potential to rise to the occasion. Trust in your abilities and the preparation you’ve done up to that point. Don’t let fear hold you back; instead, view these moments as chances for growth and self-discovery. I’ve found that stepping out of my comfort zone often leads to the most rewarding experiences. So, when you encounter something amazing, seize it wholeheartedly and be open to what you might learn along the way. You’ll likely surprise yourself with how far you can go when you embrace the journey,” she smiled.

Founded in 2007, Go for the Greens is committed to connecting women-owned businesses and future business leaders with business growth opportunities through corporate and government contracting, shared experiences, green and sustainable practices, and networking through the game of golf.