ANNIKA Foundation Names Emilia Doran
2026 ANNIKA Inspiration Award Recipient
The ANNIKA Foundation announced Emilia Doran as the second recipient of the ANNIKA Inspiration Award presented by Cleveland Brothers.
The Award celebrates women whose impact reaches far beyond the game of golf. This honor recognizes those who use their influence, passion, and leadership to inspire others- women whose achievements, character, and commitment have made a lasting impact on those around them. Doran is the second-ever recipient of this prestigious award.
The inaugural winner of the 2025 Annika Inspiration Award was Stanford women’s golf star Rachel Heck. She was honored for her leadership, service, and decision to join the U.S. Air Force following her collegiate career. In her honor, Folds of Honor awarded $50,000 in scholarships to families of fallen and disabled military members and first responders.
“Emilia is an excellent example of how the lessons and opportunities we gain through the game of golf can shape not only who we become, but how we choose to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Annika Sorenstam, founder of the ANNIKA Foundation.
Sorenstam added that “through her mentorship, advocacy for girls’ golf, and commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation, she is making a meaningful difference both on and off the course.”
A four-time All-American at Wake Forest University, Doran led the team to the 2023 NCAA Women’s Team Golf Championship. Internationally, she earned two gold medals for Team USA at the 2019 Pan American Games, winning both the women’s individual title and the mixed team competition.
She also represented the United States in multiple Curtis Cup and Arnold Palmer Cup competitions and finished runner-up at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2021.
After her amateur career, Doran transitioned to broadcasting with Golf Channel, NBC Sports, SiriusXM, and PGA Tour Live.
“It is such an honor to be the second recipient of the ANNIKA Inspiration Award,” Doran said. “Ever since I was a young golfer, Annika has been a huge role model to me. Not only through her golf accolades, but also through her clinics and tournaments I was a part of…Annika showed me the importance of giving her time and investing in the next generation of players…it is something I try to carry forward.”
Doran is donating $5,000 to the First Tee – Greater Charlotte and $5,000 to the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls Golf Tour. She is also allocating $5,000 to Autumn’s Eagles Charity Golf Tournament, hosted by young golfer Autumn Solesbee. The tournament raises funds to support children in foster care and adoption through its partnership with Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.
She is also using $10,000 of her award funds to provide tournament stipends for players competing in the AJGA Girls Junior All-Stars Championship.
Her efforts reflect the resilience, vision, and spirit of the ANNIKA Inspiration Award. She will receive her award from Annika Sorenstam at the ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge LPGA Tournament held at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida in early November 11 – 15.
For more information about the ANNIKA Inspiration Award and The ANNIKA Foundation’s mission to develop, empower, and advance young women around the world through golf and in life, visit www.annikafoundation.org.
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