DAYTON – University of Dayton women's golf senior Alexandra Bozich got her first set of clubs when she was seven years old.

Her father introduced golf to both Bozich and her sister, who was 14 at the time, to the game as a sport that she could play for the rest of her life. But more importantly it was an activity they could all do together.

"I got my first set of clubs when I was in second grade," Bozich explained. "I began taking lessons from a local pro in my area and, once I was old enough, began competing in kids and junior tournaments around the Pittsburgh area. My dad was the first person who introduced me to golf. It was a great way to spend time together and learn from each other as the years went on."

When she was 11, she carded her first hole-in-one.

"Many people who have played golf throughout their entire life may not even be lucky enough to get one," said Bozich. "So once that happened I knew that if I worked hard enough I could be pretty decent golfer in the future."

Although she started out her athletic career as a cheerleader, once she started excelling in golf Bozich made it her goal to become a collegiate golfer.

"During my high school career, my team won the Pennsylvania State Championship three times" Bozich reflected. "I knew I could have a good chance to play golf in college during my sophomore and junior year of high school. I was practicing every day for at least two hours and tried to play in as many golf tournaments as I could to become more competitive and enhance my skills."

Unfortunately her father passed away while she was in high school.

"My greatest influence in my athletic career was my dad. He was the one who introduced me to golf and showed me all of the opportunities I could have with this sport if I worked hard," Bozich said. "My dad passed away right before the start of my junior year of high school and I knew he would have wanted me to continue playing golf and work my way into playing Division I golf, so that is what I did. To this day my dad is still the biggest influence in my life and athletic career."

Becoming a DI collegiate athlete has afforded Bozich some awesome opportunities and she knew from the start University of Dayton was the right fit for her.

"My experience on the Dayton women's golf team has been an exciting and rewarding four years. I have been able to travel to many different golf courses, many of which I may not have the opportunity to play on in the future. I am beyond thankful for the relationships that have been created on the team over my four years that I know will carry long into the future.

"I picked the University of Dayton because I knew it was a very respectable university that prides itself on a sense of community. After my tour of the campus, I knew I wanted to go to school here regardless if I would have been given the opportunity to play on the women's golf team. But most importantly, UD made me feel like a home away from home, which is what exactly it has become over my last four years."

Women's golf head coach Sally Kosters has enjoyed watching Bozich grow not only as a golfer but also as a person during her career as a Flyer.

"Bo has been a strong player and team leader since her freshman year but after her internship with the FBI, she gained so much confidence and maturity. She even got stronger as a player," Kosters reflected. "Her leadership role on SAAC is a wonderful example to the rest of the team as well as the other UD students she has met along the way. Our team is very lucky to have had Bo in so many ways."

Bozich continues to rely on her family values and relationships as she navigates her final semester at UD.

"My family has a huge impact on who I am I am today" said Bozich. "My parents taught me how to have a strong work ethic, to aim high, and value your relationships. My family holds the opinions I trust the most and they constantly inspire me every day. My older sister has always been a big influence in my life. She is my best friend who has guided and taught me to have strength every step of the way."