How old were you when you started the college
placement process?
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What has been the best part of the process?
The best part of the process for me has been
overcoming the struggles and the tough times,
learning and growing into to the person and the
player I am today.
What was the hardest part of the process?
The hardest part of the process would be the
transitioning of playing smaller events to playing
harder events with tougher field, conditions and
course.
Do you remember the first interview you had with
a coach? If so, please tell us about it (how did you
feel, who was it, how was it?
My first call with a college coach was with the head
women’s golf coach of the University of Nebraska,
Coach Lapa. I remembered being super nervous
and excited at the same time. He was really nice
and patient with all my questions and concerns
about the program and the school. The call was
better than what I thought and after the first, all
the ones afterwards were a lot easier.
What school will you be attending next year?
University of South Florida
How did IJGA help you during the process?
I have learnt a lot and improved a lot with the help
of my coach Grant Balcke and Susy, throughout
these years of training. They have helped me
grow as a player and as well as a person. Melissa,
is the person that helped me during all of this
college process, starting with building my resume,
sending emails, to being actually committed to a
college. My fitness coaches have also helped me
to work on the part that I personally don’t enjoy
as much, and I have gotten a lot stronger since the
time I came to the states. My mental coach, Nick,
definitely has also helped me a lot, especially when
I am really stressed or frustrated. He has given me
ways on how to improve my self-awareness and
mindfulness, by meditating regularly on a daily
basis.
Who would you like to thank for this huge
accomplishment?
First of all, I would like to thank my parents for
all the support that they have given me, and the
opportunity for me to improve on my game as
well as my academics. Secondly, I would like to
thank my coaches, especially Grant and Susy, for
treating me as a daughter and really helping with
my game and also guiding me to grow as a person.
I would also like to thank my mental coach, Nick,
and all my fitness coaches. I would like to thank
all the IJGA staff that has given me an amazing
experience throughout these years. Last but not
least, I would like to thank all my friends, especially
my best friend Damian.
What is the first thing that comes to you mind
knowing you will start college next year?
I am really nervous and excited at the same time
to think that I will be going to a whole new place,
starting new relationships with new friends, new
teachers, and will be living a completely different
life than in high school.
What will you miss the most about IJGA?
I will miss the relationship that I have with my
coaches and my friends.
What is the thing you are looking forward to the
most?
The thing I am looking forward to is to be able to
compete in tournaments with my other teammates,
and to fight as a team.
What advice would you give to other younger
junior golfers who want to play college golf as
well?
I would tell them not to stress too much during
the process, because I believe that when it’s time,
it will happen eventually. I would also tell them to
enjoy every moment of high school, because time
flies and you will never be able to relive the same
moment twice.
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