Golf opens window of opportunity for Chico
Keith Kountz / AMR
Fresno State senior Adrianna Chico has been a key piece to the women’s golf team. The Bulldogs’ team captain is the first in her family to attend college. She earned a 4.0 GPA last semester while participating with the team. |
By Megan Bakker
The Collegian
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MAJOR ADRIANNA CHICO is the first in her family to go to college. Now, in her final semester on the women’s golf team at Fresno State, Chico is grateful for the academic opportunities that her golf skills brought her.
“Golf has always been a part of me,” Chico said. “It’s very challenging.”
Chico started playing college golf in 2002 at Mount San Antonio in southern California, but her golf career began even earlier when she started following her dad to the golf course at eight years old. At first the game was recreational, but by high school, Chico competed regularly on her school’s team.
“My parents have been really supportive,” she said. “Both on and off the course.”
As the oldest of three sisters, Chico has paved the way for her younger siblings to enter college as well. However, Chico raised the bar again when she earned a 4.0 last semester.
“It was my first 4.0. My parents were really proud of that,” Chico said.
It was while playing for San Antonio in 2004 that women’s golf coach Angie Cates recruited Chico for Fresno State’s first women’s golf team.
“She’s a very consistent player, always in the line up,” said Cates. Chico ranks among the top five players on Fresno State’s team, and earned spots in all 12 tournaments for 2005.
“She has a natural ability to play the game,” said teammate Brittany Cooley, a junior communications major. Cooley is also one of Chico’s closest friends on the team.
It was because of her ability, as well as her attitude towards the game and the team, Chico was voted team captain by her teammates. Cates told them to vote for someone that inspired and motivated them to be better players. As team captain, Chico’s responsibilities include running practice and filling in as an assistant coach.
“I really admire her as a quiet leader,” Cates said. “She leads by example.”
However, Chico’s strongest semester will also be her last. Eligibility requirements only allow athletes four years to play at the college level, and since she started in 2002 at Mount San Antonio, this semester will be her final one.
“I’m gonna miss it,” Chico said. “No more team golf.” She plans to continue playing individually.
Chico’s teammates and coach are also emotional over her leaving.
“We’ll really miss her,” said Cooley. “I’m sure we’ll keep in touch.”
“She made such an impression,” said Cates. “She truly cares about her teammates on and off the course. There will be a big void to fill when she leaves.”
After her final semester in the fall of 2006, Chico said she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. Internships are a possibility, as well as working in Public Relations. But if she could, Chico would love to continue golfing.
“My dream would be to play in the pros.”
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