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Teacher Spotlight: Mallory Batson 

Stories & Spotlights
Teacher Spotlight

Every teacher at North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA) has a unique path that brought them here. Meet Mallory Batson – our math data coach, passionate educator, and former competitive golfer. Since 2019, she’s been helping students grow academically and personally, drawing on the same determination that once made her a standout on the golf course. 

A Natural Competitor 

Ms. Batson’s love of golf began at the age of eight, when her dad introduced her to the game. She quickly fell in love with the challenge and focus of the sport. Growing up in Attalla, Alabama, she was often the only girl in boys’ tournaments. 

She joined her high school’s boys’ varsity team in seventh grade and made history her senior year by winning the boys’ area tournament outright. At the same time, she played individually in the girls’ division, placing in the top 12 statewide all four years and capturing the Alabama individual state title as a junior and senior. 

College Career in the SEC  

Ms. Batson earned a golf scholarship to Mississippi State University, where she played nearly every tournament during her collegiate career. She led the team in stroke average her sophomore year and was named Student-Athlete of the Week. Off the course, she was recognized on the SEC Community Service Team and graduated summa cum laude. 

Golf taught her more than just strategy, it shaped her into a planner, a pro at time management, a team player, and someone who can power through setbacks.  

“Golf is the sport most like life,” she says. “You can hit a great shot and get a bad bounce. Or hit a bad shot and end up close to the hole. It teaches you to take things one shot at a time.” 

Golf as a Guide for Life – and the Classroom 

That “one shot at a time” mindset has helped Ms. Batson in her work with students. Whether they’re tackling end-of-year tests or tough new concepts, she encourages them to embrace small wins and keep moving forward. 

“I use golf analogies with my students all the time,” she says. “Like how we tend to want to practice what we’re good at, but to really grow, we need to work on what challenges us. That’s how we build a growth mindset.” 

Her early experiences with frustration on the golf course – even facing the occasional tough-love pep talk from her mom – helped her learn how to handle big emotions and stay focused.  

Golf – the Gift that Keeps on Giving 

Although Ms. Batson didn’t pursue a professional golf career after college, she stayed close to the game in meaningful ways. She’s led junior golf programs in Alabama and Texas and worked with organizations like the First Tee and LPGA-USGA Girls Golf. In El Paso, she designed youth programs that combined golf skills with creative crafts and life lessons -teaching etiquette, sportsmanship, and self-confidence to kids as young as five. 

“I love kids and teaching,” she says. “Combining golf and education, well, that’s my sweet spot.” 

Building Connection, On and Off the Course 

Today, Ms. Batson brings energy and enthusiasm to her role at NCVA. She supports teachers and students with data-driven strategies, hosts virtual hangouts, and helps organize school outings that bring students together in fun, memorable ways. Her journey from the classroom to the fairway shows what’s possible when passion, purpose, and persistence come together. 

As she tells her students: “You’re going to have tough days. You’re going to hit bad shots. But with the right mindset, you just keep going – one shot, one step, one day at a time.” 

Is Online Learning Right for Your Family? 

North Carolina Virtual Academy is a full-time, tuition-free online public charter school that serves K-12th grade students statewide. NCVA provides a high-quality, flexible education with personalized learning solutions designed to help students thrive. To learn more about NCVA, please visit our website. 

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