Finding her way to the sport of golf at the age of 14, Emmah Federman credits her father with introducing her to the sport and cultivating her passion for it.
“I was way more into soccer and lacrosse in high school before he got me into golf,” said Federman.
Federman had a decorated career at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, NY. As a junior, Federman and the Firebirds won the NSCHSGAA Championship, and they would earn runner-up status in the same tournament the following year. During her senior year, Federman was named the CHSAA Player of the Year.
“Even though I didn’t win the tournament that year, that [Player of the Year] award is based on integrity and sportsmanship, and is definitely the award I’m most proud of,” she said.
Her junior year, 2017, was a busy year for Federman, as she also participated in the PGA Metropolitan Section Junior Tour. In three of five events, she placed in the top five, and she earned a win at the Lake Success Golf Club Tournament. That same year, she was also named Most Improved Player on the Kellenberg Firebirds.
Joining the Hofstra University women’s golf team as a freshman in 2018, Federman competed in five tournaments and placed 11th at the Hofstra Invitational, finishing with an 80. Her priority, however, has been the success of her team as a whole.
“Before cancellation, we were doing much better than last year,” Federman said. “Practice was going great, as we were able to get into more facilities and we were very much looking forward to some of our upcoming events. As a team, we are definitely in a better place and I’m excited to see what the future has in store for us.”
The cancellation she referred to – the global closure of most institutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic – has directly impacted Federman’s ability to maintain her practice schedule.
“Concerning my golfing, coronavirus has definitely taken a toll,” she said. “My golf club is closed at the moment and it’s hard to practice. What I’ve been trying to do is stay on a regular strength and conditioning regiment so I’m physically in shape for when practice facilities get up and running.”
For Federman, though, being a member of the Pride means more to her than just playing the sport she loves.
“I want to grow closer with the athletic community as well as my own team, and make sure incoming freshmen are made to feel welcome and comfortable so they can perform to their fullest potential,” Federman said. “My team and I are involved in service work and partaking in events within the athletic community, and that is something that is a goal of mine to continue for the future of the women’s golf program.”
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
