Andie Greenberg: Inspiring Change Through Golf and Community Service

For many young athletes, the dream of competing at a collegiate level occupies their minds. For Andie Greenberg, a junior at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland, her athletic aspirations intertwine beautifully with her passion for community service. This article delves into the remarkable journey of Greenberg as she intertwines her love for golf, tennis, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

A Commitment to Community Service

Andie Greenberg’s dedication to philanthropy began at a young age. Growing up in a family passionate about giving back, she started volunteering alongside her mother, Michelle, with various charities. Their joint efforts sparked a lifelong commitment to community service, especially focusing on advocating for the disabled community. From elementary school days of volunteering to her ongoing efforts in high school, Greenberg continues to embody the spirit of giving.

Discovering Golf During the Pandemic

While tennis had been a constant in her life, Greenberg’s exploration of golf began during the COVID-19 pandemic while she was in middle school. Much like her swift attachment to tennis, she quickly developed a knack for golf. Practicing diligently, Andie set her sights on competing at the collegiate level, showcasing her tenacity and skill as a burgeoning athlete. Her journey in golf is a testament to her adaptable nature, proving that challenges can spark new passions.

Advocacy Through Personal Experience

Greenberg’s advocacy for disability inclusion has deep roots that hark back to her volunteering days with the Nora Project, an organization focused on fostering empathy and inclusion in educational settings. This early exposure to social issues fueled her desire to work with individuals with disabilities. She shared, “At the end of the program, we made documentaries on our buddies and got to share it with the rest of the school on ‘Nora night.’” These experiences were pivotal, laying the foundation for her future endeavors in both sports and philanthropy.

Building Bonds through Best Buddies

As a high school freshman, Greenberg took her advocacy efforts a step further by participating in the Best Buddies program. This initiative fosters friendships between individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her partnership with her buddy, Alexa, highlights the program’s mission of building meaningful connections. Their regular FaceTimes and outings, like visits to Max’s Best Ice Cream in Bethesda, emphasize their shared interests and friendship, transcending the barriers society often places around disabilities.

Fundraising for Music Programs

In her quest to further her impact, Greenberg identified Daniel’s Music Foundation—a nonprofit organization that offers free music programs to individuals with disabilities—as her bat mitzvah project. Through her fundraising efforts, she successfully raised $2,000 for the foundation. This accomplishment reflects her commitment to using her skills not just on the golf course, but also in advocating for meaningful causes. "It’s really cool," she says about the foundation, describing it as an inclusive space where positivity thrives.

Recognized for Leadership and Initiative

Andie’s efforts did not go unnoticed. In August, she received the prestigious 2025 USGA-AJGA Presidents’ Leadership Award, an honor that acknowledges her exceptional leadership, character, and service to the community. Each year, this award recognizes one male and one female junior golfer who exemplify these traits through the American Junior Golf Association’s Leadership Links program—an initiative blending philanthropy with the development of junior golfers.

A Life-Changing Experience at the U.S. Adaptive Open

Greenberg’s summer took an inspiring turn when she had the opportunity to supportive athletes at the 2025 U.S. Adaptive Open. This monumental event took place at her home course, Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland. While she originally intended to assist with scoring, she was asked to caddie for Australian competitor Lachlan Wood, ultimately witnessing him win his division and tie for second place overall. “It was so inspiring,” she recalled, emphasizing the impressive skills displayed by talented athletes despite their disabilities.

Lessons Learned and Impact Made

The experiences that Andie has gathered through her advocacy and athleticism underscore how sports can be a powerful platform for social change. The mentorship and friendships she has fostered enrich not just her life but also those around her, providing inspiration and a sense of community. Greenberg believes that each initiative she undertakes contributes to breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Greenberg remains firmly committed to her philanthropic aspirations. "I definitely want to keep raising awareness and donating to these different charities that have helped out the community,” she emphasizes. Her vision reflects a growing concern not just for her immediate community but for broader societal change towards disability inclusion and support.

The Ongoing Journey of Philanthropy

With plans already in place for next summer, Andie is set to caddie once again for Lachlan Wood at the U.S. Adaptive Open. This ongoing involvement illustrates her dedication and aspirations to contribute to the broader discussion around disability and inclusion in sports. For Greenberg, each step taken on the golf course mirrors her mission to uplift and empower those around her, solidifying her legacy as a young leader committed to making a lasting impact.

In conclusion, Andie Greenberg represents an inspiring example of how young athletes can leverage their platforms to advocate for change. By intertwining her passion for golf with her commitment to community service, she sets a standard for future generations, making her not just a role model in sports, but also in philanthropy. As she continues on this path, there’s no doubt that Greenberg will leave an indelible mark on her community and beyond, shining a light on the importance of inclusivity and support for individuals with disabilities.