“I’ve Got This” Resilience, Confidence and Dedication Lead to Athletic Success for DDD Member

Amy Bockerstette, a 21-year-old member of the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and golf superstar, became the first person with Down syndrome to obtain an athletic scholarship at Paradise Valley Community College. 

Amy started her golf career seven years ago with the Special Olympics. A former varsity team golfer for three years in high school, she advanced to the state team in 2017, an accomplishment deemed “Best Moment of the Year for Arizona High School Sports” at the azcentral.com Sports Awards. She is the first golfer with Down syndrome to have played in the state tournament.

With these credentials under her belt and in her golf bag—Amy’s parents approached Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) regarding a potential role on the college’s golf team. “She was accepted for a scholarship based on the merits she earned in high school,” said her father, Joe Bockerstette.  “She is the first person with Down syndrome to receive an athletic scholarship.”

Amy is majoring in dance, (including modern, jazz, tango), Zumba and cardio-vascular fitness.  She said jazz is her favorite dance form because she likes rock & roll and hip-hop.

Amy has been a DDD member since 2011.  She receives speech therapy, habilitation and respite services.  She attended a DES Vocational Rehabilitation program and recently finished a work assignment at TJ Maxx.  She also attends the One Step day program a few mornings each week.  With school starting up again in a few weeks, she will return to concentrating on her studies.

After completing her studies at PVCC, Amy will become an ambassador for the I’ve Got This Foundation, an organization her parents founded to promote opportunities for individuals with disabilities to learn and play golf.  

Related story on Amy Bockerstette’s golf prowess.

By Lyn Riley