First introduced to golf at just two years old, Orange Lutheran senior Gabby Kim began competing in tournaments at age 11. Since then, she has remained focused and dedicated to achieving her goal of playing collegiate golf.
Her love for the sport is rooted in the life lessons golf has taught her, including the importance of patience, consistency and perseverance, no matter what each match brings.
"Rather than just the technical skills of hitting a ball and shooting a low score, I've really learned patience and how to persevere when things aren't going so well," says Kim. "It's about learning to push through when things aren't going the best and finishing out strong."
As a captain and the only senior on this year's varsity roster, Kim has embraced her leadership role by setting an example for her younger teammates. She believes every player matters and that each teammate has an important role to play in the team's success.
"Gabby is a natural leader whose influence goes far beyond her performance on the golf course," says OLu girls golf head coach Dustin Boburka. "She leads with a quiet confidence, consistently encouraging her teammates and celebrating their successes. She never needs to be the loudest voice in the room because her actions, preparation, character and consistency speak for themselves. Most importantly, her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, shapes the way she approaches competition, relationships and leadership. She understands that her abilities are gifts from God and strives to use them to honor Him, encourage others and make those around her better."
Kim transferred to OLu as a sophomore, and in her first season with the program, the Lancers won the CIF-SS Division 1 championship and qualified for the state tournament. That championship season remains one of her favorite memories from her time at OLu and is something she hopes the team can repeat this year.
"Starting off at OLu with such a big win was really exciting, and it held a lot of promis for what could come in the future," says the 17-year old. "It was such a special moment with girls I had just barely met, but we became super close and we fought really hard to end up winning."
On campus, Kim serves as co-president of OLu's Humanities Academy and is also involved with Engage, a peer-to-peer mentoring program that helps transfer students adjust to life as a Lancer. After experiencing Engage firsthand as a transfer student herself, she decided to give back by becoming a mentor at the start of her junior year.
"I thought that was a really cool experience, and I wanted to be part of it," says Kim. "Since then, it's been really fun. I've met a lot of new people, and I love continuing that cycle where I help other kids feel more comfortable."
After graduation, Kim will be heading to the East Coast to play golf for Amherst College and study English ahead of pursuing a law degree. While the college recruiting process was challenging, she is grateful for her parents' unwavering support throughout her playing career, as well as for the experiences, friendships and memories she has made during her time at OLu.
"I think being part of this golf team was a really special opportunity," says Kim. "Being part of such a powerful community is really fun, and I know these relationships will last for a lifetime. I know that I have this community around me wherever I go. Whether it's my teammates or all my friends outside the team that I found at OLu, I will carry them with me."
