Two Franklin Square sisters and standout student caddies at Deepdale Golf Club in Manhasset are heading to the University of Delaware this fall on a prestigious full scholarship.
Sophia and Stella Travlos, seniors at Carey High School, have both been awarded the Long Island Evans Scholarship — a full housing and tuition college scholarship valued at more than $125,000 over four years.
The twin sisters are among just five Long Island students picked this year for the honor, awarded through a partnership between the Western Golf Association’s (WGA) Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) and the Long Island Caddie Scholarship Fund (LICSF).
The other 2025 Long Island Evans Scholars are Sacred Heart Academy Senior Mia Moran and Chaminade High School senior Daniel Landrem from Garden City Golf Club and John Donohoe, a Chaminade high School senior from Oceanside who caddies at the Rockville Links Club in Rockville Centre.
Family time
Sophia and Stella first picked up golf about six years ago as a way to spend more time with their father, who at the time was undergoing cancer treatment.
“Miraculously, we were given the great news that my dad’s cancer was in remission, and our whole outlook towards life had changed,” Stella said. “To spend more time together, we thought: ‘What better way than taking up golf?’”
“Quickly, it became the focal point of our life,” Sophia added. “We would go to the range every day and swing for hours.
“Eventually, I was introduced to the First Tee program, where I was able to take formal lessons and grow my leadership skills by helping the younger kids,” Sophia continued.
In 2021, the sisters were introduced to Deepdale caddie manager Dave Kinsella through the First Tee — Long Island chapter. The girls became the first youth caddies at Deepdale to participate in the Evans Scholars Program and, now, they have become the first from the club to receive the scholarship.
“Sophia and Stella arrived at Deepdale Golf Club with an incredible work ethic and deep love for the game of golf,” Kinsella said. “Our membership and staff are so proud of all they have accomplished, and we look forward to watching their continued success in college and beyond, thanks to this life-changing opportunity.”
Sophia and Stella serve as co-captains of their high school’s varsity golf team and both plan to study professional golf management in college.
“Working at Deepdale Golf Club has encouraged my desire to pursue golf as a career path,” Stella said. “Golf has changed my life, and I would love to give back to the game.”
“It has been my great pleasure to watch these incredible young women grow both personally and professionally,” added Jeff Gschwind, Deepdale’s head golf professional. “They are ready to take on the world and with the generosity of the Evans Scholarship, I have no doubt they will be a huge success.”
Evans Scholars are selected based on a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character. They have achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3.
An estimated 40 percent of the scholars are first-generation college students, and 95 percent are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of earning their bachelor’s degree.
The program is the nation’s largest privately funded scholarship program, with more than 12,575 graduates since it was established in 1930 by famed amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.
“Since our founding, our program has changed the lives of young caddies who have proven their dedication in the classroom, on the golf course and in their communities,” said WGA Chairman Steve Colnitis.
“We are proud to welcome Sophia and Stella to the Evans Scholars family.”
Top photo: Facebook
