Marissa Dodd (Allen, Texas) knew the professional athlete lifestyle before she graduated from Wake Forest in 2015 with a major in math and minor in psychology. That’s because her father, Mark, was a goalkeeper in MLS (Major League Soccer) for 11 years and also went to some preliminary camps for the United States National Soccer Team.
“I’m very lucky to have him, our relationship is great and he brings a lot to the table because he played professional soccer for 11 years,” said Marissa before the pro-am on Wednesday in Decatur. “He knows what it is like to be out here and grind it out.”
Mark was a goalkeeper at Duke – where he helped the Blue Devils win a national title in 1986 – and then manned the net for the Colorado Foxes and the Dallas Burn. He was the alternate for the 1998 U.S. World Cup team.
Mark retired in 1999 when Marissa was just a young child, but she still has fond memories of watching her dad play professionally.
“I used to run down on the field after the games and I didn’t think it was crazy after a huge MLS soccer game to run on the field and hug my dad,” said Dodd. “I remember the smell of the sweaty jerseys and playing the “no peeking game” as he snuck me through the locker room to go meet my mom.”
Marissa played soccer when she was little, but the sheer amount of running that the sport demands made her choice to focus on golf easy.
“I am the world’s worst runner so soccer wasn’t in the cards for me,” joked Dodd. “I’m not exactly the most physically aggressive either. When I knocked someone down, I would try to pick them up and my dad was like ‘that is not the point of soccer’ so golf was a better fit.”
Mark spends quite of bit of time on Tour with Marissa as her caddy. While he isn’t a coach or expert, he’s watched Marissa play since she was little.
Mark is flying into Decatur on Thursday and will caddy for his daughter on Father’s Day weekend.
The other thing Marissa learned from being around her father is how to interact with fans and the understanding of the platform she has to impact the next generation.
“I had a great role model with my dad, he always took time to sign autographs and say hello to people,” said Dodd. “Anything I can do to inspire young kids to play golf or be an athlete I always try to do. I love being able to connect with fans and allow them to see what we do.”
Marissa is now in her second season on the Epson Tour and trying to reach the LPGA.
“It has been a blast and a lot of hard work,” said Dodd about life as a pro. “Scheduling, timing, planning and figuring out what your mind needs and what your body needs. It has been a learning curve, but I’m committed to it and owning this journey.”
Her best finish this season is a tie for 39th at the POC Med Golf Classic.
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