April 12, 2010
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Freshman Jamie Lavin
Jamie Lavin is a freshman out of Deerfield, Ill. She has competed in 13 rounds for the Nittany Lions this year, averaging 81.0 strokes. She recorded a season-best round of 74 at the Spider Invitational in October.
Q: How did you first get involved in the game of golf?
A: My brother and my dad both played. I used to play soccer and my team split up so I tried to find another sport and not have to deal with being on a team and worrying about what everyone else is doing.
Q: What was your golf like growing up?
A: I didn't start playing golf until eighth grade so I've only been playing for five years. There were definitely times where I wanted to quit and thought it was too much but I'm really glad I stuck with it.
Q: Why Penn State?
A: I just knew when I came here that this would be a good fit. I looked at a lot of other Big Ten schools in the midwest because I'm from Chicago and this one, you couldn't even compare to all of the other ones. This is a good size, not too big and not too small. The school spirit is really good.
Q: What are some of the challenges you have had to overcome either on or off of the golf course?
A: In the beginning it was kind of hard adjusting with doing homework and staying focused. Once we got passed the first month it wasn't bad at all.
Q: Who is your role model?
A: My teammates encourage me to do well and study and to not take everything you get for granted.
Q: What do you do for fun outside of golf?
A: I hang out with people on different sports teams. I go to the volleyball games and different sporting events.
Q: Is there anything you are proud of right now?
A: I'm pretty proud of the fact that I'm actually here and I see how amazing it is to be an athlete and everything you're given. When I first started, I didn't think this is where I would be.
Q: What would you like to accomplish by the end of your Penn State career?
A: I would like to get good grades, do well in tournaments and just keep a balance with everything.
Q: What are your plans after Penn State?
A: I want to travel a little because I'm not going to get to study abroad. I want to do marketing. I think it would be so cool to work for a company like Gatorade or Nike.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents or something people wouldn't know about you?
A: I'm actually pretty good at soccer and very outspoken.