March 1, 2010
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Junior Gia Fanelli
Gia Fanelli is a junior out of West Palm Beach, Fla., who has played in every tournament this season for the Nittany Lions. She is second on the team with her 79.2 strokes-per-round average, behind freshman Emily Ransone. Her top finish was a tie for 19th place at the Spider Invitational.
Q: When did you first get involved in the game of golf?
A: I live in South Florida so you play golf all year round. My dad is very big in golf. I started off when I was little. I always liked to drive the golf cart whenever he went to go play.
Q: Why did you choose Penn State?
A: I want to do the Professional Golf Management program and 20 schools in the country have it. I came for my visit here for the team and I just connected with the university. I loved it and I could see myself living here. I felt comfortable in the atmosphere.
Q: What are some challenges you have had to overcome either on or off of the golf course?
A: I have had two wrist surgeries over the last two years so that was really tough. Even now, I have nerve damage so I can't feel three fingers on my hand. That's hard to try. I'm getting through that pretty easily with therapy.
Q: What has been your most memorable experience at Penn State so far?
A: I would say our trip to Puerto Rico was really memorable. I've never been over there or out of U.S. territories. It was really cool to be in a different country and see different cultures.
Q: Have you learned any lessons since you have been at Penn State?
A: Be organized. I use my planner like my Bible. Time management is very important. Trying to manage everything and trying to fit everything into one day is really tough. Sometimes you've got to sacrifice some things.
Q: Do you have any role models?
A: My mom and my dad are my role models. I call them for everything, either to complain or to be happy or anything. They've got me through everything and are always there for me. They know how to cheer me up and keep me going.
Q: What do you do for fun outside of golf?
A: I love to paint. I try to do that whenever I can. I haven't really done much, but it's a way for me to escape and kind of relax.
Q: What are your plans for after Penn State?
A: I'm going to be a professional so I want to go to on grad school. I want to work while I'm doing that. I want to eventually work for the PGA of America, more on the corporate side. I want to work in Florida.
Q: What is something people wouldn't know about you unless they spent a lot of time around you?
A: I love rap music. People don't expect that from me because I'm always laughing. A lot of people don't expect that.
Q: Who is the funniest person on the team?
A: I would say Victoria Arena. She's my roommate and we can just make ourselves laugh about anything. Either to vent or cheer each other up, we're always there.