When Mollie Marcoux-Samaan found her first golf club at a garage sale, there weren’t a lot of young female athletes in the media—except for golfers. Inspired by them, she started spending entire days at the local golf course when she was 11. There, she learned the value of accessibility, inclusivity, and representation in sports.

“The more we can all dig in and invite young girls who otherwise might not have that opportunity into this game, the more we'll grow the game,” Mollie says. “But we'll also change their lives. I believe that with the deepest part of my heart, that sports—and particularly golf—has the power to change lives.”

Mollie went on to become a five-time golf champion at the North Fork Country Club in Cutchogue, NY. Since then, her whole career has revolved around sports, from competing in soccer and ice hockey at Princeton to returning as the university’s Director of Athletics. Throughout her career, Mollie has advocated for the visibility of women’s excellence in athletics.

In this episode of Forge Ahead, Mollie talks about inviting people from diverse backgrounds, advocating for gender equality, and improving the accessibility of athletics.

Visit www.forgeaheadpodcast.com for the full Show Notes or to learn more about the show.