Emily (Hungenberg) Haythorn was a member of three consecutive Northwest Conference championship teams and was crowned NWC champion as a sophomore in 2000. A native of Greeley, Colo., she completed her bachelor’s degree in anthropology and business in 2002. Emily served as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was recognized as Linfield’s top female athlete as a senior.

What are you doing today?
There are a lot of exciting changes in my life right now. I recently got married a month ago in downtown Denver. It was a perfect and beautiful day! Also, I have been busy designing a women's golf bag line, called Sassy Caddy, Inc. Throughout the 15 years I worked in the golf business, I heard numerous women walk into golf shops and comment on the lack of fashionable golf bags offered. I wanted to create a golf bag that was trendy and stylish, yet functional. I am very excited about this new venture! I should be getting my inventory within the next few months. There are six different designs that you can purchase as either a stand bag, cart bag or travel bag, including a polka-dot, a plaid, and a paisley design. You can check them out at www.sassycaddy.com. Currently, I am working at Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club in Windsor, Colo., as an assistant golf professional and buyer for the golf shop. I also teach golf lessons, organize our ladies leagues/member events and operate our junior programs. I have been working there for five years and I love every aspect of it!

Golf is obviously one of your passions. How have you been able to build a career that’s centered around golf?
I have been very fortunate to work in the golf business. I had an amazing experience playing golf at Linfield and after graduating, I chanced upon an assistant professional and buyer’s position at Langdon Farms Golf Club. I was able to combine my passion for golf as well as my love of shopping into one position. As an assistant golf professional, every day is different. There aren’t very many female teaching professionals in the golf business, so it is nice to be able to offer a lesson to a female from a female.

Your local newspaper nicknamed you the "Carrot Queen of Colorado." What's the story behind that?
My family operates a carrot production business in northern Colorado. We have more than 3,000 acres of carrots, cabbage, corn and pinto beans. We grow, package and ship carrots to grocery stores all across the United States. We are the only carrot grower left in Colorado. That’s how I came upon the nickname of “Carrot Queen of Colorado.”

How often do you get back to Oregon?
While attending Linfield, I was lucky enough to have met some very nice people. Several of these have become lifelong friends. Six of them were bridesmaids in my wedding. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to visit them and other friends 3-6 times a year. I also make a trip to Linfield to see the campus, buy a sweatshirt or two and to visit my golf coach, Marty Bergan.

What's your fondest memory of Linfield golf?
Besides playing golf at some amazing courses and meeting some wonderful golfers, my fondest memory was receiving the “Female Athlete of the Year” award. I was completely surprised and honored to receive this recognition as a Linfield golfer.

Winning the NWC championship and going on the nationals...what does that mean to you?
Having the opportunity to play at the national tournament my sophomore year was an experience I will never forget. We had a wonderful trip and played through some pretty tough conditions. But the experience of playing in a tournament among some of the best golfers in the country was incredible. Our team placed eighth and I placed 12th individually. We had some talented golfers at Linfield and therefore we were able to hold three NWC titles. It was exciting to be a part of a competitive team that held the same athletic goals and principles as I did. We were also very fortunate to have an amazing golf coach who challenged us and made us not only better golfers, but better people as well.

How closely do you follow Linfield athletics?
I am sure all Linfield alumni can relate to this, but once you attend Linfield, you become a proud and diehard Wildcat for life. I continue to follow all athletic programs, feeling a sense of pride when they accomplish something. I remember watching Linfield football on ESPN (in 2004) when they were playing for the national championship and telling everyone to turn on their TVs to watch the game. I proudly sport my Linfield gear and have a Linfield Athletics license plate cover on my car to this day. Go Wildcats!!