Freshman Laura Jonsone grew up playing golf in Latvia. Jonsone said one of her friends knew about ETSU because of its high national ranking. “My goal in high school was to get on a college team,” she said.
The freshman golf sensation would like to become a pro golfer and is confident about ETSU’s ‘great training opportunities.’
Jonsone says the diversity on the women’s golf team helped her to adjust to college life in America. “They understand because they have been through the same thing,” she replied.
Jonsone has helped her team by finishing in the top 10 in three out of four events this fall. The Lady Bucs’ players are natives of Tennessee, Europe and Columbia.
The international recog-nition the Buccaneer golf teams have achieved is one reason Gareth Shaw came to ETSU.
Shaw says having friends on this Buccaneer golf team was a benefit when he arrived on campus. “I knew Rhys and Kenneth, it definitely helps,” Shaw said. “That was a big influence why I decided to come to ETSU.”
Shaw is a talented junior who has been selected to represent Ireland in the Amateur World Cup tournament.
The prestigious event will be held in Africa at the end of October. “Golf is a very individual sport and individual success brings team success,” Shaw said.
The friendships that Jonsone and Shaw share with their respective teams, have helped them on and off the course. “The school system is totally different where I’m from,” Shaw said. “Exams in Ireland are more comprehensive [less multiple choice] and there is no attendance policy,” he said.
Attracting great golfers to ETSU will continue to benefit the Buccaneer tradition and provide diversity on campus. Both the men and women’s golf teams are currently ranked nationally in the latest Sagerin polls.

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