With the fall semester nearing its midway point we were able to check in with some of our student-athletes to see how they have been adjusting since returning to campus. We first got to speak with senior Olivia Zambruno from the Pittsburgh suburb of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
Q. What was your favorite moment from the summer?
My family and I vacationed to Missouri, Big Cedar Lodge, and I played Top of the Rock where they play a PGA Champions tour event. It was really nice to get away for a little bit and forget about the pandemic.
Q. What was it like returning to campus for the first time this fall and what was the first thing you did?
It felt like I never left. I couldn't believe it had been six months since we had been sent home. The first thing I did was get settled in with my roommates Sarah and Taylor in our off-campus house. We decorated and made it comfortable since we are spending most of our time there doing remote learning.
Q. What is your favorite spot at Penn State and why?
I would have to say the golf course is my favorite spot at Penn State. It's because of all the great memories practicing and playing with my teammates.
Q. What type of activities have you been doing as a team since returning to campus?
Since coming back to campus our team has been practicing and competing against one another even though our tournaments were canceled this fall. We spend the weekends doing intersquad competitions which simulate tournament play to keep us sharp and ready for when our season starts again.
Q. How are you adjusting to hybrid learning? How many in person classes do you have and how are they different from previous years?
I don't have any in person classes this semester. I definitely miss walking through campus, but overall online classes haven't been too hard to adjust to.
Q. What is the most interesting class you are taking this semester and why?
I am taking Organic Speech and Language Disorders. It is one of the classes for my major and is really interesting.
Q. With no official competition this fall what has your approach been and what are you looking to focus most on?
My approach has been to enjoy every practice with my team because it's my last year playing golf for PSU. I am looking to really focus on parts of my game that need improvement to get ready for the spring season.
Q. What is your most improved part of your game since arriving at Penn State?
Before I got to Penn State I felt like my short game wasn't strong, but using the practice facilities here I have been able to work on that part of my game and I feel it's a strength now.
Q. What is one golf course on your bucket list that you absolutely must play at some point in your life?
St. Andrews would be number one on my list. There is a ton of history around the game of golf at St. Andrews. So many great players have played there and I feel it would be super cool to play there.
Q. What was it about golf that interested you and when did you begin playing?
I started playing golf when I was six years old. I would go to the course with my dad and younger sister Abby. I participated in the junior golf program at my golf course, Pleasant Valley Country Club, and really enjoyed the competition.
