ATLANTA — Stanford's own Rachel Heck has been named the female recipient of the 2023 Tom Cousins Award, as announced by the Tom Cousins Award committee. The ceremony takes place during its annual Party on the Green, occurring on Saturday night.
The committee, which is overseen by representatives from Golf Channel, East Lake Foundation and East Lake Golf Club, names one male and one female recipient from a participating team in the East Lake Cup annually. The award is given to the student-athlete that best exemplifies the civic, community and philanthropic qualities of East Lake Foundation founder Tom Cousins. This is the ninth year the award has been given out.
"I want to thank the East Lake Cup, and Tom and Anne Cousins for really setting the example of what it means to be a leader," said Heck in her acceptance speech. "This award means a lot to me…as student-athletes, playing golf is not the most important thing we can do. If we can set the example for the next generation, if we can give back and make a difference in someone's life through our actions, then we've succeeded at the end of the day."
Heck is currently away from the team as she prepares to represent the United States in the Pan American Games. She will compete at the Prince of Wales Country Club in La Reina, Chile from Nov. 2-5.
"Rachel has committed herself to serving her country whilst attending one of the top academic institutions and simultaneously, pursuing elite amateur golf," Anne Walker, the Mitch and Margot Milias Director of Women's Golf, mentioned. "Very few have the heart, dedication and determination to take on such a challenge. She is a fantastic ambassador of the game and will be a wonderful custodian of the Tom Cousins Award this academic year."
The Cardinal will be playing in the East Lake Cup beginning with the first round of play on Monday, Oct. 30 from Atlanta Athletic Club. This is the final fall event of the year for Stanford, who will not be in action again until the Pac-12 Preview on Feb. 19-21.