Reilley Rankin, Professional Golfer
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Reilley Rankin's story is one of triumph and tragedy.
Reilley played golf at the University of Georgia where she was named both SEC Freshman and Player of the Year. After her freshman year, Reilley broke her back and sternum in a freak accident. She was told she may never walk again and to give up her dream of playing golf professionally. But Reilley refused to be deterred and made an amazing comeback helping her Georgia Bulldogs win the NCAA title in 2001. She earned her LPGA Tour card in 2004 and played successfully for several years until tragedy struck her family. Reilley's mother was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia and then, in 2008, her mother fell ill with cancer. Reilley tried to continue her career and take care of her family but something had to give. So two years ago Reilley packed up her life in Florida and moved back home to help with the daily care of her mother. And because her mother didn't have health insurance, Reilley spent every dime she had saved to help pay for her mother's medical expenses.
With her mother's cancer now in remission, Reilley is back on the course doing what she loves and trying to rebuild the career she selflessly put on hold. This site is dedicated to helping Reilley get back on top.
Career Highlights:
-Named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman and Player of the Year, as well as National Freshman of the Year (UGA)
-In 2001 she helped her Georgia Bulldogs win the NCAA title
-14 Top 10 finishes in her first five years on the LPGA tour.
-Played in 23 Majors, earning four Top 10's and two Top 5 finishes.
-Finished 4th in 2007 Women's British Open
-Awarded the LPGA Heather Farr Perserverance Award in 2013.
These are the things anyone can learn about Reilley through a simple Google search. What you cannot find through Google, but will learn soon after meeting her, is that Reilley is the most gracious and humble competitor there is. She speaks to, and thanks, every tournament volunteer she sees. She signs and gives away balls to complete strangers, she encourages her young fans to "not be shy" when wanting an autograph or a photo because "you have to ask for what you want or you'll never get it". Not only does Reilley possess the heart of a champion, she has a good, kind heart and touches the lives of everyone she meets. When not playing on tour, Reilley lives back home in Hilton Head, SC and helps with the daily care of her mother who is suffering from a rare form of dementia.
Reilley is on her way back to the top of the golf world but she needs financial assitance to get there. Personal and business donations are being collected to help fund Reilley through the 2014 tournament season. Reilley's motto has always been "Dream Big. Anything is Possible." Let's prove that she's right!
Donations can be given online or through cash or check. Contact Amanda (page admin) if you'd like to donate offline.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those wishing to contribute to Reilley's success in a way that is beneficial to your company/organization.
To learn more about Reilley Rankin and her incredible journey, visit: http://www.indexjournal.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Mother-s-Day-means-more-to-Rankin/5/41/25431">http://golfweek.com/news/2013/dec/06/lpga-q-school-reilley-rankin/http://www.indexjournal.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Mother-s-Day-means-more-to-Rankin/5/41/25431
Reilley played golf at the University of Georgia where she was named both SEC Freshman and Player of the Year. After her freshman year, Reilley broke her back and sternum in a freak accident. She was told she may never walk again and to give up her dream of playing golf professionally. But Reilley refused to be deterred and made an amazing comeback helping her Georgia Bulldogs win the NCAA title in 2001. She earned her LPGA Tour card in 2004 and played successfully for several years until tragedy struck her family. Reilley's mother was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia and then, in 2008, her mother fell ill with cancer. Reilley tried to continue her career and take care of her family but something had to give. So two years ago Reilley packed up her life in Florida and moved back home to help with the daily care of her mother. And because her mother didn't have health insurance, Reilley spent every dime she had saved to help pay for her mother's medical expenses.
With her mother's cancer now in remission, Reilley is back on the course doing what she loves and trying to rebuild the career she selflessly put on hold. This site is dedicated to helping Reilley get back on top.
Career Highlights:
-Named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman and Player of the Year, as well as National Freshman of the Year (UGA)
-In 2001 she helped her Georgia Bulldogs win the NCAA title
-14 Top 10 finishes in her first five years on the LPGA tour.
-Played in 23 Majors, earning four Top 10's and two Top 5 finishes.
-Finished 4th in 2007 Women's British Open
-Awarded the LPGA Heather Farr Perserverance Award in 2013.
These are the things anyone can learn about Reilley through a simple Google search. What you cannot find through Google, but will learn soon after meeting her, is that Reilley is the most gracious and humble competitor there is. She speaks to, and thanks, every tournament volunteer she sees. She signs and gives away balls to complete strangers, she encourages her young fans to "not be shy" when wanting an autograph or a photo because "you have to ask for what you want or you'll never get it". Not only does Reilley possess the heart of a champion, she has a good, kind heart and touches the lives of everyone she meets. When not playing on tour, Reilley lives back home in Hilton Head, SC and helps with the daily care of her mother who is suffering from a rare form of dementia.
Reilley is on her way back to the top of the golf world but she needs financial assitance to get there. Personal and business donations are being collected to help fund Reilley through the 2014 tournament season. Reilley's motto has always been "Dream Big. Anything is Possible." Let's prove that she's right!
Donations can be given online or through cash or check. Contact Amanda (page admin) if you'd like to donate offline.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those wishing to contribute to Reilley's success in a way that is beneficial to your company/organization.
To learn more about Reilley Rankin and her incredible journey, visit: http://www.indexjournal.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Mother-s-Day-means-more-to-Rankin/5/41/25431">http://golfweek.com/news/2013/dec/06/lpga-q-school-reilley-rankin/http://www.indexjournal.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Mother-s-Day-means-more-to-Rankin/5/41/25431
Organizer
Amanda Schmidt Breeden
Organizer
Hilton Head Island, SC
