Oct. 15, 2012

STANFORD, Calif - Stanford women's golf is honored to have Dr. Condoleezza Rice host the upcoming Stanford Intercollegiate at Stanford Golf Course, October 19-21. Dr. Rice is scheduled to present the awards at Sunday's ceremony. Dr. Rice shared her thoughts on Stanford women's golf, the significance of college athletics, and the thrill of making a hole-in-one.

Why did you decide to get involved with this year's Stanford Intercollegiate?
"Well I'm a big fan of our women's golf program and a big believer in Stanford intercollegiate athletics. I love these student-athletes; they're great students and great athletes. I think it's wonderful that we have such fine golfers at Stanford, and since I am learning to play the game, I really enjoy being with them and watching them play. I practice with them sometimes, which is great fun. This is a chance for Stanford to show off the University and I'm delighted to be associated with it."

What is your relationship with the players like?
"I was an advisor to Lila Barton who was an international relations major and now I'm an advisor to Sally Watson. To me, they're students and they have special considerations because their schedules are so demanding and I remember what that was like because I was a competitive figure skater and a music major. And I know what it's like to have to find that balance and get your academics done and pay attention to your sport. I mostly pay attention to their academics."

What kind of impact do you hope to have on the team?
"I think they gain confidence and presence by playing a sport, I've always thought that sports were really important in that way. Since Title IX, women have had great opportunities that didn't exist before that. I hope that they will take from here a sense of what they can accomplish, on the golf course and in the classroom. They will certainly go on to great careers because they are smart and dedicated, and I like to help them see what opportunities are out there, whether on the golf course or in graduate school or working in government or non-governmental organizations abroad."

What does it mean to see Stanford's first African-American women's golfer, Mariah Stackhouse?
"I'm obviously glad to see those barriers broken, but she is here because she is an outstanding student and golfer and that's what she needs to focus on and let the history take care of itself. Many times I've been asked about being the first for this or that. There's always going to be a first, and you focus not on being the first but on what got you there, which is your accomplishments and abilities and I'm sure that's what Mariah is going to do."

What's your impression of Margot and Mitch Milias Director of Women's Golf Anne Walker and assistant coach Kathryn Imrie?
"I like Anne very much, she has a great background. I think it's kind of interesting that we've got two Scots here (Walker and Imrie), so I guess the girls are going to learn how to buck-and-run the ball pretty well. Anne has a wonderful spirit and I think she's going to do great with the team."

You made a hole-in-one recently. Where does that rank on your lifetime achievement list?

"That's way up there on my list! I had hole-in-one a year ago September 17th, I even remember the date, so obviously it ranks very high. I was at my alma mater, Notre Dame, when it happened. For the record, it was a good shot, not one of those that takes a few lucky bounces on its way to the hole. I love golf. It's now my third sport after skating and tennis. It's a difficult game, and overcoming it is part of the fun."