University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
Off the Course: Karen Zhang
1/25/2019 2:33:00 PM | Women's Golf
With the spring season kicking off February 2, Gopher Sports will be featuring Q&As with each Minnesota women's golfer. Next up in our series is freshman Karen Zhang. The Richmond, B.C. native made her collegiate debut at the Minnesota Invitational where she tied for 64th. At the Ron Moore Intercollegiate she tied for 69th in her first time competing with the team. Zhang closed out her fall season at the Las Vegas Collegiate Showdown where she carded her best 54-hole score of the year and tournament score to par. In high school she earned the provincial title for British Columbia and played on team British Columbia at the Girls Junior Americas Cup. She was also an honor roll student and the most valuable player on the varsity golf team.
Gopher Sports: How did fall season go for you as your first in college? What's the adjustment like into college golf?
Karen Zhang: The fall season has been so much fun and full of learning opportunities. I had my share of good and bad rounds, but have been working to improve on the various aspects of my game from the mental to the physical. Adjustment into college golf was smooth thanks to the support staff, coaches and teammates who were very supportive and open to questions.
GS: What are the biggest lessons you've learned to take into spring season?
KZ: One of the biggest lessons I've learned to take into spring season is maintaining a sense of wholeness throughout my rounds. Working with the coaches on swing consistency and receiving encouragement and guidance from my teammates have helped me build the confidence going into spring season.
GS: You're from Canada, what was the adjustment like coming from there to the States as a student?
KZ: The climate and the metropolitan city environment in Minnesota are similar to home in Canada, and given the proximity of Canada to the U.S., there wasn't a big culture shock. I am lucky to have great teammates who helped guide me to ease my transition into college.
GS: What went into your decision to come to Minnesota and what has been the best part so far?
KZ: Minnesota's similar climate to home in Canada, excellent academic offerings and commitment to athletics are just a few factors that make the school amazing. Not to mention our new facility opening in the spring season, which made my decision an easy one.
GS: Your sister was also a college golfer. What have you learned from her about the sport?
KZ: I played with my sister a lot growing up. I learned from her confident demeanor on the course, and her ability to manage her time to balance both the athletic and academic expectations. Being able to have a role model I can communicate with and learn from, while also personalizing the lessons for myself has definitely helped me grow to have fun and build relationships with those around me in the process of improving my game.
GS: What is one thing you'd like Gopher fans to know about you?
KZ: I swing right handed in golf, but do most other things left handed!
Gopher Sports: How did fall season go for you as your first in college? What's the adjustment like into college golf?
Karen Zhang: The fall season has been so much fun and full of learning opportunities. I had my share of good and bad rounds, but have been working to improve on the various aspects of my game from the mental to the physical. Adjustment into college golf was smooth thanks to the support staff, coaches and teammates who were very supportive and open to questions.
GS: What are the biggest lessons you've learned to take into spring season?
KZ: One of the biggest lessons I've learned to take into spring season is maintaining a sense of wholeness throughout my rounds. Working with the coaches on swing consistency and receiving encouragement and guidance from my teammates have helped me build the confidence going into spring season.
GS: You're from Canada, what was the adjustment like coming from there to the States as a student?
KZ: The climate and the metropolitan city environment in Minnesota are similar to home in Canada, and given the proximity of Canada to the U.S., there wasn't a big culture shock. I am lucky to have great teammates who helped guide me to ease my transition into college.
GS: What went into your decision to come to Minnesota and what has been the best part so far?
KZ: Minnesota's similar climate to home in Canada, excellent academic offerings and commitment to athletics are just a few factors that make the school amazing. Not to mention our new facility opening in the spring season, which made my decision an easy one.
GS: Your sister was also a college golfer. What have you learned from her about the sport?
KZ: I played with my sister a lot growing up. I learned from her confident demeanor on the course, and her ability to manage her time to balance both the athletic and academic expectations. Being able to have a role model I can communicate with and learn from, while also personalizing the lessons for myself has definitely helped me grow to have fun and build relationships with those around me in the process of improving my game.
GS: What is one thing you'd like Gopher fans to know about you?
KZ: I swing right handed in golf, but do most other things left handed!
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