Pisciotta, Morales named AJGA Player Representatives

Michael Pisciotta of Alpharetta, Ga., and Nicole Morales of South Salem, N.Y., will join the American Junior Golf Association Board of Directors upon being selected Player Representatives for the 2013 season.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the AJGA is governed by a Board of Directors, which meets quarterly to discuss relevant topics concerning the state of the Association. Player Representatives are the voice of the AJGA membership, which has exceeded 5,000 each year since 2006 and reached a record high in 2012.

Pisciotta, 16, has excelled on and off the golf course, illustrating his ability to be a leader amongst his peers. Throughout his three years competing in AJGA tournaments, the two-time honorable mention Rolex Junior All-American claimed five top-10 finishes in national competition, including a win at the 2011 AJGA Huntsville Junior.

I really love the AJGA and going to all the tournaments, Pisciotta said. I have learned how to be better in the sport and in life. You have to work hard to do well in tournaments and that leads over to what you do in life.

Going low on the golf course has also helped Pisciotta in his fundraising efforts through Leadership Links. In his Birdies for Charity campaign in 2011, he raised $4,000 for the Childrens Tumor Foundation. He also extended his philanthropic involvement with the Foundation by raising $1,000 in donations at the first-annual Fore NF Golf Classic in April 2012. The inaugural event exceeded its fundraising goals and raised $42,000 with Pisciottas help.

Since Pisciotta established his Birdies for Charity initiative, he has made 106 birdies and raised $7,110.

Pisciotta will continue to be a leader in the player representative position, which he said will give him the opportunity to speak on behalf of all AJGA players.

Working with the people that make the AJGA events possible is a great honor, Pisciotta said. Im really looking forward to being on the board because it is such an honor and having the opportunity to help the AJGA as much as I can is really special.

Morales, 16, had a breakout season in 2012, earning first-team Rolex Junior All-America honors and five top-10 finishes, including a victory at the Genesis Junior Open and a T9 showing at the U.S. Girls Junior Championship. She began her 2012 campaign with a win at the 2011 Polo Golf Junior Classic, defeating Jessica Vasilic in the match play final, 3 and 1. The South Salem, N.Y., native combined her success on the links with strong academics, earning a place on the 2012 HP Scholastic Honor Roll, which recognizes high school juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

I am so excited and honored especially after watching Casey (Danielson) and Gavin (Hall) excel in this position last year, Morales said. Being nominated is a huge honor and I am excited to work with my fellow rep, Michael.

Morales plans to use her position as a player representative to learn more about the AJGA and make informed decisions on behalf of her fellow competitors.

I am looking forward to seeing how the Association makes decisions and how they work together to promote the players and the game of golf, Morales said. I hope to provide as much insight as I can so they can make well-informed decisions for the benefits of the players.