ROCHESTER – Golf has played an important role in Jane Witkoski’s life.
It was a defining part of her Rochester upbringing. It’s now helping shape her future.
Witkoski, a recent graduate of Chesterton Academy,
will attend the University of Maryland this fall as an Evans Scholar. Awarded annually to golf caddies through the Western Golf Association, this will cover Witkoski’s full housing and tuition costs across four years, a value of more than $125,000.
Witkoski joined the Caddie & Leadership Academy at Oak Hill Country Club while at Chesterton. She followed her brother, Teddy, a 2023 Evans Scholar who currently attends Ohio State University.
Jane Witkoski plans to study economics or political science before pursuing a career in law. Years of caddie experience afforded her more than just financial gain.
“(Caddying) teaches you great skills about giving to others, service, and being a leader,” Jane Witkoski said. “You meet so many different kinds of people and learn so many new things with every single person you caddy for.”
Youngest of five
Witkoski remembers playing childhood rounds at Lake Shore Country Club. Driving range trips with her brother, Teddy, and her father, David, yielded “a lot of fun.”
But she discovered golf through a new lens at Oak Hill. She learned a popular saying among caddies: Show up, keep up, shut up.
“It’s a great experience in learning to communicate because you meet so many people,” Witkoski said. “It’s beautiful and just an amazing experience to walk around (Oak Hill) every day.”
Witkoski is the youngest of five children. Like many in her position, cost became a concern as she surveyed colleges.
That’s why Patrick M. Bailey, a former Evans Scholar, founded Oak Hill’s Caddie & Leadership Academy.
“Jane represents the kind of student this program was created to support,” Bailey said in a press release. “Her work ethic, leadership and commitment to her education have made a strong impression at Oak Hill, and our membership is proud to celebrate her earning the Evans Scholarship.”
Charles ‘Chick’ Evans, Jr., a Chicago golfer, founded the Evans Scholar program in 1930. It currently sponsors more than 1,200 caddies at 27 universities across the United States.
Oak Hill to College Park
Evans Scholars are selected based on four criteria: Strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character.
Applicants must also complete a selection interview. Witkoski was noted for leadership roles within her school and community, and for the regular requests she receives from Oak Hill members.
Size, location and community drew Jane Witkoski to the University of Maryland at College Park. She might golf as a hobby after leaving in late August but is more excited to focus on schoolwork without financial burden.
“Going to a very big school that has so many opportunities without worrying about debt,” Witkoski said. “It really helps my family and gives me a chance to achieve my goals in life without worrying about that aspect.”
Jeff Uveino joined the USA Today Network in 2023 and began covering Rochester-area high school sports in 2026. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University's Jandoli School of Communication and native of Perry. Contact him at juveino@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @realjuveino and on Instagram @jeffusports.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Oak Hill caddie earns scholarship worth more than $125K
