SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
STANFORD GILMORE JR.
CRUZ MEDRANO
SERENITY ADAMS-MCDONALD
Hailing from Sacramento, California, Cruz Medrano is a dedicated golfer and scholar with a passion for continuous growth both on and off the course. With two years of competitive high school golf experience, Cruz has demonstrated remarkable discipline, resilience, and a drive to improve his game.
Since joining SABGC, Cruz has made tremendous strides in his golf performance, highlighted by his standout rounds, including a 2-under-par 70 at Wildhorse Golf Course and a 2-over-par 72 at Apple Mountain. His commitment to excellence extends beyond golf, as he maintains an impressive 3.75 GPA while balancing his academic and athletic pursuits.
Cruz's impact reaches beyond personal achievements—he has played a key role in introducing young golfers to the game through his involvement with the Cameron Champ Golf Academy and New Age Golf, helping to grow the sport within underrepresented communities. His creativity has also contributed to New Age Golf’s branding, bridging the gap between golf, culture, and accessibility.
With aspirations of playing college golf at CSU Maritime, Cruz credits SABGC’s guidance and support for helping him get closer to his dreams. His dedication, leadership, and passion for the game make him a deserving recipient of this scholarship, and we look forward to seeing his continued success in the sport and beyond.
A passionate advocate for mental health and community empowerment, Serenity Adams-McDonald is determined to break generational cycles of trauma and uplift the Black community. Growing up in poverty and overcoming emotional and cultural adversity, Serenity has set her sights on earning a PhD in Neuroscience and Psychology at Hampton University, where she is currently excelling with a 4.0 GPA in her freshman year.
Her mission is clear: to equip herself with the knowledge and tools necessary to help others heal from trauma, reclaim their power, and step into opportunities that were historically denied to them. She believes that all battles begin in the mind, and through education and outreach, she aims to empower her community to break free from mental limitations and fully embrace life.
Serenity also recognizes the role of golf as a symbol of opportunity and inclusion, challenging the stigma that it is a “white people’s sport.” She is committed to encouraging Black individuals to step into spaces that were once closed off to them, using the game as a gateway to personal and professional growth.
Despite financial hardship, Serenity remains unwavering in her pursuit of higher education and community impact. Her resilience, academic excellence, and dedication to change make her a deserving recipient of this scholarship, and we are honored to support her journey as she continues to be a light in the darkness for her people.
At just 9 years old, Stanford Gilmore Jr. is already making a name for himself both in the classroom and on the golf course. A dedicated student-athlete and leader, Stanford has been playing competitive golf since the age of 6, competing in U.S. Kids and Under Armour tournaments, where he has won over 40 titles, with more than half being first-place victories.
Beyond his impressive achievements, Stanford is passionate about helping others—mentoring fellow students and golfers, showing respect on and off the course, and leading by example. Recently, he had the incredible opportunity to compete in the U.S. Kids World Championship, an experience that has fueled his drive to continue excelling in the sport.
With aspirations of earning a golf scholarship to Stanford University, Stanford is committed to representing young minority golfers in Sacramento and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. This scholarship will help him continue competing at the highest level, gaining the experience and exposure needed to qualify for national and world championships once again.
Stanford’s passion, dedication, and leadership make him a remarkable young athlete, and we are proud to support his journey.