Upperman’s Sidney Rodgers Signs NLI For Jefferson State Golf Program

by Rusty Ellis

BAXTER – Upperman senior golfer Sidney Rodgers made her commitment to Jefferson State official on Friday, as she signed her national letter of intent to play collegiate golf upon graduation.

“I’m feeling good,” Rodgers said. “I’m in love with this college, it’s got a really great golf program and a really great coach. All of the girls are nice, I’ve already met them all. It’s just amazing.”

When it came to making her decision, Rodgers says it was the atmosphere of the school and the close-knit nature of the team.

“I thought it was the best fit for me because of how close everyone is there,” Rodgers said. “The campus is beautiful. The one I’ll be going to is two smaller buildings within walking distance of each other.”

While she hasn’t coached her for long, UHS girls golf coach Juliann Johnson has seen the work Rodgers has put in, and she says she’s come a long way to make it to signing day.

“She’s a really good leader, I was a little nervous when I took this position because I didn’t know the girls that well,” Johnson said. “She sets a great example. She’s just somebody that you can depend on. Even when we’re playing in tournaments, she’s cool, calm and collected.”

And with that demeanor, Johnson believes that Jefferson State is a great fit for Rodgers’ talent.

“We’ve talked a lot about it and she wanted to go somewhere she was comfortable,” Johnson said. “It wasn’t too far from home and talking to her, she loves it…that’s all that matters to me is that she’s happy and she thinks she’s going to grow as a golfer.”

Rodgers has been to three State Tournaments in her time in Baxter and has created years of memories representing the Lady Bees golf program. It’s the people that she’s connected with that she says she’ll miss at the next level.

“The people, I’ve loved playing with my friends from different schools,” Rodgers said. “I’ve loved playing with my coaches, they’ve all been really nice. There’s going to be more people and different challenges I’ll have to face playing at the collegiate level. I think I’m ready, I’m nervous, but I think that I’ll do good.”