Student athlete Lucy Gould, is determined to make her dreams become a reality by becoming a professional golfer after graduating from ETSU.
Since she was 10 years old, Gould has dreamed of attending college in the United States.
“I am achieving my dreams,” she said. “Success like this makes me want to continue in my sport and to achieve greater things!”
Gould is an 18-year-old from the small coal mining town of Bargoed, Wales. She comes from a close family.
“There is me, my mum, dad and brother,” she said.
Being away from her family is hard while she is living in Johnson City. However, she keeps in contact with them daily.
“I e-mail them daily and speak to them a couple of times a week,” Gould said. “Technology makes being away from home a lot easier.”
The people, mountain and lakes remind her of Wales.
When Gould visited ETSU on an official visit, she loved the place, people, golf team, coach and golfing facility.
“Everything just seemed perfect here at ETSU,” she said. The visit convinced her to come to ETSU on a golf scholarship.
Gould arrived at ETSU as a freshman in the fall of 2005, and she is embracing her experience with ETSU and East Tennessee.
“It is hard to be away from home at times,” she said. “I then think about what I am here for, and then it all seems worth while.”
Gould is also planning on receiving a degree in business management.
Golf is important to Gould. Not only does she love the sport, but she plans on becoming a professional golfer once she receives her degree from ETSU.
“I love the game and want to make a career out of it,” she said.
Not only is Gould excited about the opportunity to play golf at ETSU, but she is also improving her skills. She is making use of the golf facility, good weather and coaching. “I would not get a chance like this if I was at home,” she said.
In addition to golf, Gould also plays soccer and field hockey. She was also the Welsh girls champion for 2002 and 2003. Currently she is on the Welsh Ladies Elite Squad.
Gould has not yet had the chance to travel throughout Tennessee.
“I have only seen Johnson City,” she said. “Between playing golf, studying and socializing, I have not had a chance to explore yet.”
However, she does think that Tennessee seems like an interesting place.
In addition, Gould feels welcomed by the ETSU community. “Everyone wants to know everyone,” she said. “The atmosphere is amazing.

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