Confidence, skill breeds success

For sophomore Danah Ford, golf is a real family affair. At an early age, Ford's father, a golf professional in Indianapolis, brought his daughter to the course. Now, as Ford prepares for her second season on the Women's Golf team, she hopes to take the interest her father instilled in her to a higher level.\nFord began playing competitively at eight years old at her father's golf course. She continued to play competitively on different tours, eventually culminating in a spot on the Masters tour while at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis. But it was her father's influence that kept Ford dedicated to the sport growing up. \n"He's helped me a lot, just being a friend. He never really forced (golf) on me. He just said 'If you want to do this, fine, I'm there for you. And if you don't want to do it, that's fine, too."\nUpon graduation, Ford had to decide where to expand her skills in college.\n"I always said I was going to Michigan State. I don't know why, but I was just really attracted to it. But then I came here and there was no doubt, none. I loved it here and never wanted to leave."\nFurther enhancing Ford's decision to commit to IU was seven-time Big Ten Women's Coach of the Year Sam Carmichael.\n"Ever since I came here, coach has really worked with me and really taken my game to the next level. I still think there are more levels to go, but coach has really helped me."\nUnder Carmichael's tutelage, Ford has become one of the premiere golfers on the team. Last season, after red shirting her freshman year, Ford finished in the top-25 three times including a career-low round 74 at the Legends Invitational. She finished the year with a 79.0 stroke average.\n"Danah brings a lot of enthusiasm and confidence to the team. Part of her playing success is due to her confidence. She always has a positive attitude," sophomore Ambry Bishop said.\nA Sports Communication/Broadcast major, Ford is undecided if she'll pursue a career choice in that field, or turn pro as a golfer. \nWhen not on the golf course, Ford enjoys hanging out with teammates, being with family and working out. However, Ford admits that free time is hard to come by during the season. \n"I think that's the toughest part of being a college golfer. In all of September, October and then February, March, April and May, it's all golf every weekend. I see all my other friends going out on the weekend, while we put in a good 12 or 14 hours practicing."\nAs for the upcoming season, in addition to routine lengthy practice sessions, Ford won the Indiana Women's Amateur Match Play tournament and the 81st Women's Golf Association of Metropolitan Indianapolis City Amateur Championship. She also was a medalist at the 77th IWGA State Amateur Championship.\n"She's coming off an outstanding summer and has shown tremendous improvement in the last two years," Carmichael said. "She's coming back with the intent of having a solid year."\nSo is her summer play a sign of success for the season?\n"I hope so," Ford said.