Peareth to be honored by LPGA*USGA Girls Golf with 2019 Sandy LaBauve Spirit Award

'Stephanie is an inspiring leader who believes there is nothing you can't do,' says LaBauve

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 23, 2019 – LPGA Teaching & Club Professional (T&CP) member Stephanie Peareth, who is site director for LPGA*USGA Girls Golf of Miami, has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Sandy LaBauve Spirit Award, the most coveted honor bestowed by LPGA*USGA Girls Golf.

Peareth, a truly inspirational figure who underwent the first two of her three brain surgeries before taking over as Miami site director in 2015, will be presented with her award on Thursday, January 24, during the T&CP Rolex Awards Reception at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

"Is it real? Did I really win? I'm never usually speechless, but I'm speechless. Just to grasp the size of this industry and how many phenomenal, incredible ladies do what I do in this industry, and just being at the last few T&CP Rolex Awards Receptions and listening to the other recipients, it's just very overwhelming. I'm very grateful, and I'm very honored to accept this award," said Peareth.

"It's kind of surreal because I get told on a daily basis that I'm an amazing site director and what would they (Girls Golf program members) do without me and 'you're such an incredible role model'. I've never thought of myself like that because they saved my life. They've given me a different purpose, a different dream and career. It's all because of them. I wake up every day feeling so lucky that I get to work with girls who I know are going to change the world. I get to wake up and say, 'Okay, so my job today is to hang around with girls who I know are going to be the biggest, most influential female empowerment stars.' I just feel so lucky to be inspired by them. They make me better."

Named after the founder of LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the Sandy LaBauve Spirit Award honors an individual who has gone above and beyond to inspire the lives of juniors through their passion and dedication to empowering girls through golf. Sandy LaBauve was an LPGA Teaching Professional in Phoenix, Arizona, and mother of two daughters when she founded Girls Golf in 1989.

"I am so impressed with Stephanie's drive to help little girls dream big," said LaBauve. "She has overcome her own health obstacles and has never let adversity define her. Stephanie is an inspiring leader who believes there is nothing you can't do. If you have a dream, make a plan to achieve it and then work hard. She coaches girls to have fun along the way and provides the perfect blend of teaching golf while building strong character."

Peareth took charge of LPGA*USGA Girls Golf of Miami in 2015, a move which she describes as "life-changing" after she had to abort her initial plans to become a playing professional due to her brain condition. She now devotes virtually all her time to Girls Golf with a mission to enable young girls to experience life, fun and growth through the sport. Each month, she organizes three special events for the girls under her tutelage: a themed golf clinic, an LPGA Tour-inspired tournament and a social activity which is not related to golf.

"Coach Stephanie is a true inspiration to everyone she encounters. It is amazing to witness her interact with girls of all ages. She constantly challenges the girls in her over-the-top, fun and engaging manner. She turns a golf clinic into a life-altering experience," said Linda Tamargo, whose daughter is a member of LPGA*USGA Girls Golf of Miami.

"Shy, timid girls blossom into confident, empowered individuals. Girls that are bullied, that have no social school life or feel like outsiders develop friendships and self-worth. Stephanie Peareth is an amazing, caring and positive individual - not only with the talent to play golf but to teach, mentor and mold young girls. It takes a village ... and I am extremely grateful that Stephanie is part of our village."

About the LPGA

The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla., the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 members representing more than 30 countries. With a vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while the Symetra Tour, the official development and qualifying tour of the LPGA, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. Additionally, LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management.

The LPGA demonstrates its dedication to the development of the game through The LPGA Foundation. Since 1991, this charitable organization has been committed to empowering and supporting girls and women through developmental, humanitarian and golf community initiatives, including LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the LPGA Women’s Network and the LPGA Amateur Golf Association.

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