Lessons from the Daughter of a Terrible Golfer

Trae Denise takes her job as a stuffed-animal doctor very seriously-especially when her beloved teddy bear, Mr. Buttons, needs emergency surgery. But after saving her favorite patient, Trae decides it's time to try something new: golf, her dad's favorite game.

What begins as a simple lesson turns into a heartfelt journey filled with wobbly "flamingo" stances, tricky swings, and plenty of unexpected challenges. Along the way, Trae learns that being good at something doesn't happen overnight, that practice truly matters, and that sometimes the most important thing isn't winning-it's having fun and sharing special moments with the people you love.

A warm and uplifting story about perseverance, growth, and the joy of trying something new.

Every great dream begins with a spark, and that spark already lives inside you. You are capable of incredible things when you believe in yourself and put in the work to make your dreams come true. Hard work won't always feel easy, and some days will challenge you more than others, but every step you take makes you stronger, braver, and closer to who you're becoming. Even when you stumble, stand back up and try again. Keep going, keep growing, and keep trusting that your effort matters. You have everything you need to shine.

-Trae Denise Byrd

Trae Denise Byrd is the daughter of Stenette Byrd III, and Tonya Denise Byrd and the twin sister of Stenette Byrd IV, also known as Ivy. Throughout her life, she has been a dedicated student athlete, participating in cheerleading, track and field, and gymnastics. From a young age, Trae dreamed of becoming a doctor and using her gifts to help the people around her.At the time of writing this book, Trae has just finished her first year at Xavier University of Louisiana, where she is majoring in Biology Pre Med with a minor in Chemistry. She is also a proud member of the nationally renowned XULA Cheerleading Team, where she was recognized as a 2026 All Conference Cheerleader and helped Xavier bring home 1st place at the NAIA National Cheerleading Championship.Looking toward the future, Trae aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon, a path that allows her to stay connected to her lifelong love of sports and her passion for helping others. She hopes to support athletes through injury, recovery, and return to play, combining her medical training with her firsthand experience as an athlete. Her goal is not only to treat injuries but also to uplift, encourage, and empower athletes as they rebuild strength, confidence, and self-belief.Through her writing, Trae hopes to inspire young readers to dream boldly, work with purpose, and trust that every step of their journey matters.

Dr. Stenette Byrd III is a veteran educator and leader whose careerbegan in 1997 teaching mathematics in Hampton, Virginia. By age 24, he stepped into administration as an assistant principal in Hampton CitySchools, marking the start of a distinguished path that has led to hiscurrent role as Chief of Schools for Suffolk Public Schools.Beyond his administrative leadership, Dr. Byrd is a prolific writer.He is the author of the Leadership Lessons from a Terrible Golfer and co-author of Leadership Lesson from the Son of a Terrible Golfer he has also co-authored influential educational texts such as Stem Century: Suffolk Editionand Simple Solutions to Stubborn School Problems: A 70 in 7 Story.Dr. Byrd's leadership experience spans every level of K-12education, having served as Principal for elementary, middle, and highschools across the region. He also shares his expertise in highereducation as an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University andformerly at Norfolk State University.A graduate of Norfolk State (B.S.), Old Dominion (M.Ed.), and TheCollege of William and Mary (Ed.D.), Dr. Byrd balances his professionalachievements with his devotion to his family. He is the proud parent oftwins, Stenette IV and Trae Denise, and is a dedicated member of KappaAlpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he continues to mentor the nextgeneration of leaders.