Former Illini and four-time letterwinner Ember (Schuldt) Holloway (2010-2014) led the Illini in stroke average in 2012-13 and 2013-14 and is currently seventh all-time with a 76.39 career average. The Sterling, Illinois, native earned second team All-Big Ten honors her senior season, and the Illini won three tournament titles during her career.

Today, Holloway lives in Fredericksburg, Texas, with her husband, Michael, to whom she has been married since June. She is the senior assistant golf pro at Boot Ranch, a private club community in the Texas Hill Country about two hours west of Austin. 

Name:  Ember (Schuldt) Holloway

Hometown: Sterling, Illinois

Current Hometown: Fredericksburg, TX

Major/Minor: 

Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Current profession/position/company: 

Senior Assistant Golf Professional at Boot Ranch

Family: 

Don Schuldt (Dad)

Lou Ann Schuldt (Mom)

Crystal and Jeremy Casper (Sister and Brother-in-law)

Frank Schuldt (Brother)

Larry and Wendy Schuldt (Brother and Sister-in-law)

Michael Holloway (Husband)

I chose Illinois because: 

I wanted to stay in the Big 10 and Illinois had the best of everything! Academics, golf facilities, coaches, atmosphere.

Favorite team memory: My whole senior year was amazing! But to pinpoint a single memory was probably practicing for our Jock Jams my senior year. We had a killer dance routine where all of us had different parts where we had the lead and I remember Sam Postillion, who was also my roommate, would practice in the mirror every night to pull off her Beyonce solo dance part. It was so much fun!

Favorite campus spot: Walking through the Quad was always a favorite for me. I loved the atmosphere of people running to class, hanging out in the grass, unicycling, tight rope walking, you name it, and it was going on at the Quad. So that was a joy to walk through daily.

How did the University of Illinois prepare you for your career? 

Well since I have stayed in the golf industry, Illinois prepared me very well. As a golf professional, I have duties such as running tournaments and golf leagues as well as giving lessons and clinics and much more. So my degree in recreation, sport and tourism has helped because I got such a solid base of knowledge for what I am currently doing. And of course I have a great help with ideas from Coach Slone and former Assistant Jenny Coluccio.

What has been the most valuable lesson you learned from your time at Illinois? 

"You can make a par from anywhere" - Coach Slone

I remember her telling me this at a tournament one time and of course it applies to the golf game and it did help me as I tried playing professionally because when I got in a sticky spot playing, I would remember this saying and majority of the time I was able to scrape a par out (I would even text her about it afterwards). But in life it also makes sense, because you can make any situation you are in, personal, work, etc. better just by staying focused and trying to find the right solution to your problem you may find yourself in. 

How did the U of I help you grow during your college journey (golf, academics, personal)? 

U of I helped me grow as a leader throughout my college journey. From leading by example to vocally, each year I felt like I could take on more responsibility and help others do the same. I feel very fortunate because as I continue to try to grow in my profession, I have to be a leader for my co-workers and for the members at the club and my leadership skills all started while at the University of Illinois.  

How has the alumni network impacted your experience during your time on campus and following graduation? 

I love being a Fighting Illini! I meet people all the time who are alumni as well and it is awesome to hear that I-L-L!!

How did being a member of the Illinois Women's Golf Team impact you? 

Getting to represent a school like University of Illinois is an incredible feeling. Wearing that Orange and Blue is an honor that is not taken lightly. There is still a rush that runs through me as I think back on times representing the Fighting Illini on and off the golf course!

How would you describe your relationship with your teammates and coaches? 

My teammates were amazing, I made life-long friends ( a few were in my wedding in July!) and we all try to keep in touch as much as possible. It is great to see everyone being so successful in their fields. We are a support system still even though most of us are scattered across the US! And I keep in contact with Coach Slone quite often. We text or call every month or so just to catch up, she has been/continues to be such a great resource and friend to me!

What skills did you gain/develop by being an Illini student-athlete? 

Time-Management is a big one, juggling classes/homework/study hours/practice and tournaments you have to learn quickly how to manage your time to make the most of it and to plan ahead so you are prepared.

What do you miss most from your time on campus? 

Food is a big one HAHA! I love my Maize and Insomnia cookies. But I also miss having a team to lean upon when needed and having some of your best friends just a few minutes away instead of a few thousand miles away!

What advice would you like to share with our current team members? 

Stop and enjoy your time while there, soak in the memories you are making because it will be one of the best times of your life.

Top item on my bucket list: Play Augusta National

Last time you were on campus? I have passed through town a few times but haven't been on campus in a few years.

Twitter/Instagram handle: @EmberSchuldt