Just a year ago, I was visiting La Salle University, the college I now attend, and I was meeting my new golf coach for the first time. Just being there was a result of the hard work I had put in not just playing golf, but promoting myself and as a student athlete.

The college recruiting process is different for everyone, but no matter how you go about it, it isn’t easy. I knew I wanted to play in college at the beginning of my junior year in high school and at that point I was a little late to the game. I had been playing for awhile but I didn’t know how much of a passion I had for it until then.

My main focus going into my college search was academics. Unlike a lot of people, I have known my intended career since I was in seventh grade, and that career is sports media. I spent days simply looking up universities with my intended major. I looked first at the program’s success, then went to the athletic page to see if they had a women’s golf team.

My focus was north and many schools I looked at didn’t have a team. I narrowed it down to 4 schools and spent the rest of my junior year creating a golf resume which included a synopsis of career, my current yardages, and video of my swing. Afterwards, I found the names and emails of the coaches from the schools I was interested in. I sent each of them a personalized email introducing myself, explaining my goals, and why I would be a good addition to their team. I attached my resume to each email and waited for a response. I began talking with these coaches and set up days to visit the school and meet with them.

In the end, I met two coaches in person and had a phone call with another. I came in with questions about the school and their programs. I made sure I felt that I had enough information from each coach before I left. After my visits, I kept in touch with them and overall made my final decision based on where I felt most at home, could best learn, and succeed.

As I got ready for my fall season, I got an email from the school, telling the students we would not be on campus for the fall semester, and therefore I would not have a fall golf season. This broke my heart, and it was difficult for me finding motivation to practice, knowing I wouldn’t get to play for awhile.

However, after the school year started, I realized that just because I didn’t get to play with my team, didn’t mean I shouldn’t continue to play the game I love. I set a schedule for myself that balanced school, my work schedule, and golf.

While this year looks a little different than I imagined, I have continued to keep a positive attitude and focus on improving my game with the tools I have been given. This sport is half talent and half mental. Throughout my time playing this game, my main focus has been on keeping my mental game strong. While this current situation has tested that, I have kept a level head and I am stronger because of it.