Senior Spotlight: Elise Rivas Mucklow

Elise Rivas Mucklow is an incredible young woman.  She has always impressed me with her ability to communicate and she makes me laugh every week as she leads the morning warm-up.  When you see her in action, it will become clear that the military is a great fit for her.  I was not surprised when I heard that she received Congressional nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Both programs emphasize engineering—a passion she has pursued for years.  If for some reason those don't work out she will attend Florida Atlantic University.  

​Have you always wanted to join the military?
Not at all. I don’t come from a military family. My interest in the military began unexpectedly through STEM. I was part of a robotics team for a few years, which introduced me to various STEM and mechanical engineering opportunities. One day, I saw a flyer for the Naval Academy Summer Seminar. It seemed foreign and intimidating, but I decided to try it.

When I was accepted, I felt nervous, especially about the physical challenges. However, during the seminar, I discovered a unique community, built strong connections, and realized I have the grit and determination to achieve difficult goals. I pushed through physical challenges by thinking of my squad, who depended on me, and learned I was more capable than I had imagined. That experience sparked a desire for more of those challenges.
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Why did you leave the robotics team?
Being part of the robotics team was an amazing experience, but it was a serious time commitment. It consumed so much of my time that I couldn’t pursue other interests. In my final year, I decided to explore new opportunities, like First Tee, and focus on singing, a passion I’ve had since childhood.
I’ve always enjoyed singing and started with my local choir at a young age. I was part of the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches before joining the Schola Cantorum of Florida Choir at FAU, where I’ve received invaluable coaching. I also sing in my church choir at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Singing has been a creative outlet that complements my academic and STEM pursuits.
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What do you think about First Tee?
If I could change one thing, I would have become more involved in First Tee earlier. I didn’t realize how many great opportunities were available through the program. Initially, I didn’t fully evaluate it against my other extracurriculars.  Now, I’m working on my ACE certification but I'm most excited to volunteer as a TGL Ball Runner.

Golf, traditionally, is about being outdoors and playing a consistent game. However, TGL introduces technology to the sport, making it more accessible to people who may not enjoy the traditional format. As a STEM enthusiast, I’m excited to see how technology reshapes golf.  It could be the start of something new.

Why did you decide to learn golf?
When I joined the homeschool golf class, I was 14 years old and noticeably one of the oldest students in the class.  My grandfather was the golfer in the family and I thought it would be fun to take on a new challenge that was different yet similar to tennis. It was however, a very daunting task which filled me with a lot of self doubt since my expected level of success did not come easy.  Coach Glen was very patient and created a safe space for me to not feel judged as a late-comer to the game. 

Over the years, Coach Glen provided the proper guidance that I needed to progress, given that practicing outside of class has never been a big priority.  This is not because I do not enjoy golf but because my STEM commitments basically hijacked my schedule. Now, I can actually swing my driver 150 - 200 yards straight which is amazing growth for me and I even won a closest to the pin contest in a golf tourney for the local Junior Achievement organization. 

I think it is important to mention that I appreciate Coach Glen’s encouragement to the group each and every week. He does not want us to become brats that just show up to become talented at golf.  He wants us to develop character even outside of golf.  I really enjoy hearing all of the personal examples that he shares. 

​What have you learned about golf?
Golf is a social game that introduces you to people you might never meet otherwise. I’ve played with people whose only shared interest with me was golf, and that’s a great way to start conversations and network. One of my instructors at the Naval Academy Summer Seminar once told me, “I’ve never met a Naval Officer who didn’t know how to golf.”  That was enough motivation for me to keep moving forward. 
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I’ve also learned that golf is a lifelong sport. Unlike football or baseball, which are often played for a season in life, golf is something people enjoy well into their later years.

Final Thoughts
On Golf: Don’t be intimidated to start golf at any age, even if you’re learning alongside younger students. Casual play will introduce you to people of all ages, so embrace the opportunity with a good attitude. When the First Tee opportunities are offered, make room for them.  Finally, take advantage of resources like the Palm Beach County Junior Card to play more often and build your confidence.
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On Life: Pursue your true interests with commitment and consistency. Develop them over time and don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities. Also, consider studying economics—it provides valuable insights into how our country operates and how decisions are made.  The more you know, the more you can challenge others to think differently.