Finn Burkholder at the Insperity Invitational / Patrick Reed AJGA Junior Championship at The Woodlands Country Club.

Two-Sport Athlete Excels With Flexible Schedule Through TTU K‑12

By Reagan Ranzer, Marketing Assistant

From starting sports at a young age, to now being a two-sport athlete, seventh-grader Finn Burkholder is just beginning a lifetime journey.

Finn first enrolled in Texas Tech University Middle School at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. Although he says he is an excellent student and takes his academics seriously, he said the curriculum has been fair and challenging.

“The culture is more college-like than my friends’ experience in public school, but TTU K‑12 provides the flexibility I need to play two sports competitively, especially golf.”

Finn already has many achievements under his belt, starting with Junior Golf Scoreboard ranking him 27th in the world for the class of 2026. He has competed on national television four times, in PGA Jr. League National Championships and Drive Chip & Putt National Finals.

Watch Finn’s interview with KHOU-TV Houston from March 2020.

Watch Finn’s interview with 610 Sports that aired in March 2021.

This summer he will compete in top amateur qualifiers, including the American Junior Golf Association tournaments, and top Texas events hosted by Texas Golf Association & Southern Texas PGA.

Along with the commitment to golf, Finn plays soccer as well.

“I also play soccer at a high level. Today I’m the #1 goalkeeper for Dynamo Unidos 15U in Houston,” he said. “Over the last three years I’ve competed in the US Soccer Development Academy, Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), and MLS Next.”

Finn’s dad, Will, said taking courses through TTU K‑12 was a 180˚ shift from a daily schedule where everything, from academics to sports, was organized and planned for him.

"Early on, Finn was forced to take an inventory of how his hours were spent throughout the day,” Will said. “While the curriculum is outstanding, the TTU K‑12 program requires the same time management skills that I learned during the back-half of my college years.”

Finn said with TTU K‑12 he can pace himself and set his own schedule. When his public-school friends are on break, he can catch up with them during the holidays or weekends.

“Often golf tournaments are hosted during weekdays. Even weekend events require travel during the week, and weekday practice rounds to prepare,” Finn said. “TTU K‑12 offers me the flexibility to study on the road. I can also take breaks when others cannot.”

When Finn is not being an athlete and finishes his schoolwork, he enjoys his relaxation.

“I enjoy playing with my two miniature schnauzers, Ruby & Semi, relaxing in the pool, and playing Xbox with buddies when my schedule permits.”

Finn says he is a “big-time foodie” and takes his nutrition very seriously.

“I wear a WHOOP band to track my fitness, physical strain, recovery and sleep.”

About TTU K‑12, Finn explains that the program has helped prepare him for his future, for example, his life lessons in time management.

“While I’ve had some successes, I’ve also made mistakes,” he said. “With that said, this will make me a stronger student and competitor in the long run.”

From a parent’s perspective, Will says TTU K‑12 offers solid academics and flexibility, which benefits Finn’s academic and athletic endeavors.

“This also helps our family dynamic, especially with travel,” he added. “While the course work is appropriate for his grade level, his experience is similar to that of most college athletes. Finn - not his parents - has to find time to complete course work and communicate with his professors when questions or issues arise.”

Right now, Finn is working hard to prepare for the AJGA Insperity/ Patrick Reed hosted on Finn’s home course at The Woodlands Country Club Tournament Course and an upcoming US Junior Amateur Qualifier in Cypress, Texas.

At only 14 years old, Finn has had many outstanding achievements and plans for more in his future.

“This summer my goal is to improve my scoring differential in competitive golf events,” Finn said. “After high school, I’d like to play competitive golf in college and one day earn my tour card for the PGA.”

Finn’s advice to students considering enrolling in TTU K‑12 is “Just do it.” He said his experience with TTU K‑12 is a top-notch online school program.

“My teachers are always available and supportive. They designed the program to help students learn and succeed.”

Finn is also active on Instagram (@finntastictx) for anyone interested in following his progress in soccer and golf. The TTU K‑12 family wishes Finn the best of luck on both his athletic journey and his academic future with TTU K‑12!