DAPHNE—State high-school champion golfer Caroline Beebe of Bayside Academy chose to commit last week during the NCAA early signing period. Twice the Alabama High School Athletic Association state golf champion for Classifications 1A-through-5A, Beebe said she considered several scholarship offers, but the University of South Alabama Jaguars academic and athletic programs best met her needs and expectations for the next four years.

“As far as what I wanted or needed compared to what I was offered, South really came through,” she said. “They showed a lot of confidence in me and that means a lot. I took some tours of some of the bigger schools (SEC and other SunBelt) that showed some interest and I liked them, too. And I had a lot of offers from some that I just wasn't interested in enough to visit. So it was a long process, but in the end it came down to South or Samford. And after thinking about it some more and where I think I will be happiest and get the most out of it, it was South, for sure.”

Beebe plans to declare sports management and marketing her major, but never hesitates to state her hopes down the road. “I just love the game, the sport, golf. It's fun to play as an individual and as part of a team and I hope I can add a lot to the team there next year. And after college, I hope I can play professionally. I've always dreamed of it. I plan to try. If I don't, I will know that I gave it my best. I'm sure I will stay involved with it and just play. I can't imagine not playing golf. But for now I'm focused on finishing up here at Bayside. I'm excited. We want to make it to state as a team. I'm also going to enjoy my last season playing basketball. I'm going to miss it.”

After winning her first state title in 2008 as an eighth-grader at Spanish Fort, Beebe transferred to Bayside and sat out her freshman year. She co-championed the 2011 1A-5A title as a junior. Falling in love with the game came early and naturally as Beebe started around the age of five and was soon competing at a high level, often years ahead of her age group.

“After my dad (Danny Beebe) got me started I really started to enjoy it. I got involved with Jimmy Green (Junior Golf Tour) and the SJGA (Southeastern Junior Golf Tour) and then a lot in the AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) and then school. And when I wasn't playing, I was practicing. But I enjoyed it and I really owe a lot to my dad and my mom Emily and my brother Daniel for all helping me get better. They all made sacrifices for me and supported me. You know, I could never thank them enough. I'm glad, too, that I won't be too far from home and they can watch a lot of my matches. It wouldn't be the same.”

Staying close to home could also have competitive advantages as well,she added. “South plays its home courses at Magnolia Grove and Azalea City (both in Mobile) and I'm familiar with them and the Sun Belt conference plays a lot of courses around the southeast including some I know in Louisiana and Florida and North Carolina that I've played as a junior, so I feel pretty good about it. And I've known coach (T.J.) Jackson (USA women's coach) for a while too and I like all the girls there, too. I think I'll fit in with them and with his style of coaching just fine. I really appreciate coach Jackson for believing in me and helping make this come true for me.”

The first AHSAA contest date for varsity golf is Feb. 20.