It has been way too long since my last blog. My apologies, I have been swamped with so many things. For one, school has been crazy; I have my senior design project as well as a lot of homework and tests. But soon I won’t have to worry about it for an entire month because the holidays are approaching. Another huge thing that has happened is the men’s and women’s golf teams being cut at the end of the spring semester. (
Official UP Press Release)
Prior to hearing the news, we still held regular practices. Coach Michelle kept pushing practices as the weather began to change and we also started our strength and conditioning training to prepare for the spring season. The news about the team being cut at the end of the year somewhat changed the path of our team. This information was a huge blow to both the women and the men. As a senior, this news will not affect me in terms of playing golf; I will continue to finish out the spring semester, hopefully with a bang. As for the rest of my teammates, it is life changing information. A couple of the girls are looking towards transferring and a few of the other girls will stay and finish out their college years at UP.
The decision to cut the golf teams was a tough decision for the school to make, but they reasoned that we just didn’t fit in with the rest of the UP athletics. They will replace the golf teams with women’s crew. I wish them the best of luck; we always need more women athletes.
I would like to make a shout out to the men’s golf team. You guys had an awesome fall season, and I hope the best to all of you in the spring season. Jake and Justin, it’s our last season, enjoy it and always remember the good times. To those of you transferring, I hope you find a good fit somewhere. To those of you staying, live up your paid tuition here at UP.
I would like to say to my girls, that I have always appreciated our hard work and commitment to the golf team. I couldn’t have asked for better people to spend 20 plus hours a week with on and off the golf course. Bridget, it’s our last year, let’s enjoy it like we have the past 3 years.
Finally, to our coaches, I would just like to thank both Coach Michelle and Coach Bill for all the hard work that they put in. You both spend your time thinking of us, always hoping the best for us all academically, athletically, and personally. I hope the best for you both in this time of change.
-Lisa Okazaki
