Breaking Barriers on the Green
Zoe Slaughter became the first African-American player to join the Texas A&M Women’s Golf team since its inception in 1975.
Slaughter’s addition to the team in 2021 marked a significant milestone, not only for the program but also for the entire Texas A&M campus.
“My time here’s been awesome,” Slaughter told KAGS. “We’ve always had a pretty great team, hard work ethic. I’ve just been having a good time here playing good tournaments, playing good golf and ready to keep going forward.”
The Glue that Holds the Team Together
Described as the glue that holds the team together, Slaughter’s presence has coincided with unprecedented success for the Aggies.
Since her arrival, the team has made two consecutive appearances in the national semifinals, a feat that can be partly attributed to Slaughter’s exceptional contributions on the course.
A Natural-Born Talent
Slaughter’s talent for golf is deeply rooted in her family’s history. Her grandfather, Jake Carter, introduced her to the sport after discovering it himself while working as a caddie at a local country club.
Carter’s love for the game eventually earned him a full-ride scholarship to Prairie View A&M, a historically Black university.
“I have to remind myself, Zoe, and everybody else in the family that golf changed our lives,” said Kafi Slaughter, Zoe’s mother. “Golf propelled education for our family.”
H2: A Seamless Transition to Collegiate Success
Slaughter’s transition from high school success at Houston Memorial to collegiate golf was seamless. Her exceptional work ethic and positive mindset earned her the title of American Conference Freshman of the Year during her first season.
Following her former coach, Gerrod Chadwell, to Texas A&M, Slaughter continued to make an impact, including a crucial round where she shot the fourth-best round in school history, helping the team secure a spot in the NCAA National Championships.
A Legacy of Resilience and Empowerment
Through her achievements, Slaughter has become a symbol of resilience and empowerment. As the first African-American woman in the program, she acknowledges the significance of her role and aspires to inspire others who may feel like outsiders.
“You can do the same thing as anyone else. At the end of the day, you have just as much talent, and it’s just about reminding yourself that you have that. Never let yourself down and never let yourself get down,” Slaughter said.
