As Autumn Duke descended off her last rock in Scotland at the World Youth Rock Climbing Championships in 2005, she knew an important decision was looming.
Since she was nine years old, Duke had devoted herself completely to rock climbing. She navigated the toughest rock faces in the world, even escaping death while suspended 150 feet in the air with no supports. Duke excelled, winning first place in the National Championships, sending her to represent the United States in Scotland. Despite all her success, Duke still had a battle raging within her. She had to choose between rock climbing or pursuing her new passion for golf.
Duke decided to give up climbing and focus entirely on her golf game. Now, four years later, she is one of two incoming freshman to join Ball State University's women's golf team.
Duke said she played for fun, but had never played competitive golf before her freshman season in high school.
"The World Championships for rock climbing in 2006 [would have] overlapped with golf my freshman year and I didn't want to leave my team for two weeks during the season," Duke said.
This late start didn't set Duke back at all upon reaching high school. She was a key contributor on state runner-up teams in 2006 and 2007. And, during Duke's senior season with Hamilton Southeastern, she finished tenth overall in the state finals.
Duke attributes some of her success on the course to her rock climbing.
"The upper body strength I get from climbing helps me drive the ball a lot farther," Duke said. "Climbing for fifteen minutes is equivalent to running one mile, so it keeps me in great shape for golf."
Despite Duke giving up rock climbing in international competition, it never really left her completely.
"I still climb for fun and would love to get involved on the club rock climbing team at Ball State," Duke said.
Duke's athleticism and mental toughness were two of the main attractions for Ball State women's golf coach Katherine Mowat during recruiting.
"Being not only a talent in golf, but also a former national rock climbing champion says a lot about not only Autumn's physical ability, but also her competitive nature," Mowat said.
Duke will join high school teammate Brittany Kelly on the course this season. The two played together at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers and have remained close over the years.
"Brittany influenced the decision somewhat, but when I visited I loved the girls and the coaching staff, so everything just felt right," Duke said.
Most of the girls in the program are from the Indiana area and have played against each other for many years.
"It's always exciting to watch the girls form a special bond and embrace each other as one," Mowat said.
Mowat said she thinks Duke's hard-working and diligent attitude will help her fit into the team very well.
"All of the girls are great and I'm just excited to get out there and start playing this year," Duke said.
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