GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Nova Southeastern University women's golfer Jamie Freedman was chosen as the recipient of the 2015 Kim Moore Spirit Award, presented at the WGCA Division II Awards Banquet at the Grand Valley State University Eberhard Center on Thursday.
 
Freedman (Fr., Miami Beach, Fla.) received this national award as she "exemplifies a great spirit toward the game of golf, a positive attitude on and off the golf course, a role model for her team and mental toughness in facing challenges."
 
Here is the transcript of the speech honoring Freedman on Thursday night:
Jamie Freedman is currently a freshman with a 3.67 GPA as a legal studies major. In 2008 she was diagnosed with scoliosis with 28 degrees of curve in her spine. Despite wearing a back brace for most of 2009, it progressed to 56 degrees and required surgery. When Jamie was 14 years old, she underwent scoliosis corrective surgery. They made a 13-inch incision and secured a rod on each side of her spine with 20 screws. Before and after her surgery, she asked if she would be able to play golf again. Certain doctors told her she would never play again, and that it was "impossible." She never let those thoughts dampen her hope to one day to play again.
 
Only four weeks after surgery, Jamie pushed the limits of her doctor's orders and started putting and chipping. She admits now that may have been too soon, but her love of the game was so strong, she had to play. About six weeks after surgery, she couldn't wait any longer. Behind her father's back, she secretly took a practice swing. Her father turned around in time to see the gleam in her eye, and in that moment, they both knew she would play again. Even now, he tears up when he shares that moment. Every day since, she has committed herself to improving. She was determined to make top five on her highly competitive high school team and even won Districts her freshman year. By her senior year she averaged even-par and was part of the FHSAA Girls Class 2A State Champion team. She also excelled in the classroom receiving high honors all four years and was a part of the AJGA HP Scholastic Honor Roll.
 
In her first year of college, Jamie has been an excellent role model for her team, with academics and golf being the top priorities in her life. She is respected by her teammates for her ability to use every obstacle as opportunity to grow and be more prepared to deal with adversity. She has never once complained about her back hurting, and when it does she simply does more chipping and putting, but certainly does not practice less or use it as an excuse. Her positive outlook and dedication has paid off. She put herself in contention to win several tournaments this year against the nation's best players with four top-five finishes. Jamie's spirit for the game, mental toughness, and drive for excellence has already provided her much success, and given what she's been through, her success will only continue.
 
About the Kim Moore Spirit Award
This spirit award is dedicated to Kim Moore, who played golf for the University of Indianapolis (1999-2003).  Kim was an inspiration to all as she persevered through many physical challenges while playing collegiate golf.  Her positive outlook and dedication toward the game was only out done by her sense of humor and passion for the game.
 
The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor a student-athlete who exemplifies a great spirit toward the game of golf, a positive attitude on and off the golf course, a role model for her team and mental toughness in facing challenges.
 
To be nominated, the student-athlete must:
1.) Be a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior and have been in attendance at least one full academic year at the college making the nomination. 
2.) Be of high moral character and in good standing at her university. 
3.) Actively participate within the guidelines of the golf program at her respective University. 

The Sharks have two more rounds to go in Allendale, Michigan, as the 2015 DII National Championships wraps up from The Meadows.