SANTA ROSA BEACH — Ava Kight, a Seacoast Collegiate High School senior, has signed with the University of Southern Mississippi to play collegiate golf.
The signing ceremony, held Tuesday at Seacoast Collegiate, was attended by family, friends, coaches and school officials who celebrated her achievements.
Kight has been a standout player on the South Walton High School golf team over the past four years. Her leadership helped the team capture two district titles, a regional championship, and a regional runner-up finish.
Individually, she has placed in the Top 10 at the state level as a freshman and qualified for elite tournaments such as the Jr. PGA Championship and World Teen Championships. She has also secured multiple Top 10 finishes in American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and Florida Junior Tour (FJT) events.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue my golf journey at Southern Miss,” said Kight in a news release. “It’s been a dream come true, and I wouldn’t be here without the incredible support of my family, friends, and coaches. I’m excited for what lies ahead, both on the course and in my studies.”
South Walton golf coach Kendall Griner praised Kight’s impact on the team. “Ava has been an outstanding leader and role model,” Griner said in a news release. “Her hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship have left a lasting legacy. Southern Miss is gaining an exceptional student-athlete, and I can’t wait to see her succeed at the collegiate level.”
Off the course, Kight maintained a 4.043 weighted GPA and earning membership in the National Honor Society. Through Seacoast’s dual-enrollment program, she is set to graduate in May with her high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Northwest Florida State College. Kight is also active in her community, volunteering with Young Life, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Habitat for Humanity.
“Ava’s accomplishments reflect the values we hold at Seacoast Collegiate High School,” said Principal Drew Ward in a news release. “Her dedication to her studies, her sport, and her community are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she’s achieved. We look forward to watching her continue to succeed at Southern Miss.”
Kight plans to major in business at Southern Miss while competing for the Golden Eagles golf team.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Seacoast senior Ava Kight signs with Southern Miss on golf scholarship
