December 10, 2024
First Academy-Leesburg’s Maggie Potash Signs with Stetson University For Golf
By Kyle Coppola
First Academy-Leesburg’s Maggie Potash Signs with Stetson University For Golf
LEESBURG, Fla. — Maggie Potash, a standout golfer from First Academy-Leesburg, has officially signed with Stetson University to continue her golf career at the collegiate level.
Potash has been a cornerstone of FA-Leesburg’s golf program for the past seven years, competing at an elite level and achieving great success. Despite the school not having a dedicated girls’ golf program for much of her career, Potash thrived playing alongside the boys, even competing from the boys’ tees. Earlier this year, she finished second at the Boys Buffalo Invitational with an impressive score of 71.
(Maggie signed her commitment to Stetson University where she will study Chemistry and continue her golf career.)
Her high school career is filled with accolades, including six appearances at the FHSAA State Championships. Potash is a three-time Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA) Women’s Golf State Champion and placed third this season. At the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) level, she finished 21st at the State Championships this year and achieved a career-best sixth-place finish two years ago. She played in the 2023 Junior PGA Championship. Maggie has finished in the top 10 at Districts every year since 2018 and won the district championship in 2024 with a 69 total.
(Maggie is a three-time Sunshine State Athletic Association Woman’s State Champion.)
Potash’s father and coach, Brian Potash, has helped guide her through her journey. “Maggie has been playing golf since she could stand,” said Brian. “She fell in love with the game early on. Coaching her has been easy because she’s so driven and self-sufficient. I usually only see her at the first tee box and then again at the end because I’m coaching others.”
FA-Leesburg athletic director Don Birdsall praised Potash’s dedication. “Maggie is an incredible young lady who excels both in the classroom and on the golf course,” said Birdsall. “She’s a hard worker with a bright future ahead of her. Stetson University is lucky to have her.”
(Not only is Maggie a great golfer but is a fantastic student with a 4.0 GPA.)
In addition to her golfing achievements, Potash is a stellar student and a Merit Scholar with a 4.0 GPA. She will graduate high school with an associate degree from Lake-Sumter State College. At Stetson, she plans to study chemistry while continuing to build her golf career.
Reflecting on her journey, Potash expressed gratitude for her time at FA-Leesburg. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity as a homeschooler to represent FA-Leesburg for the past seven years. Playing at a high level and making it to States has been incredible,” she said. “I’m excited to stay close to home and represent Stetson University next year.”
Potash also shared advice for aspiring golfers: “Don’t take things so seriously. Have a good time, practice hard, and trust that good things will come with time. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”
With her impressive accomplishments and work ethic, Potash is poised to make a significant impact at Stetson University. We look forward to seeing her compete at the NCAA Division 1 level. Stetson is part of the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Congratulations Maggie!
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
