Julianne Alvarez provides inspiration at Development Academy Day 1

The WGI Development Academy Squad received a pleasant surprise at lunchtime of their first Academy Day, when Julianne Alvarez paid them a visit.

Julianne, recently arriving back home for "summer holidays" from Washington State University, dropped in to the Academy session being held at Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Course, and shared some of her recent experiences with the Junior squad.

The 24 Academy players present were in awe of Julianne's achievements, and her dedication - not only to her golf but also to her studies.  They were really enthralled to hear first hand about the pressure of competing (and winning) the NCAA State Championship with the Women's Washington Huskies team. 

As Julianne described the build up to the event, and her trophy winning final round, you could hear the excitement in Julianne's voice (and the nervous tension) as she relived those last few holes of the tournament with the group.  The Academy players were hanging off every word!

While Julianne imparted some wonderful insights into what it takes to make it at US college level, she also provided the group with some words of wisdom.  The ones that stood out for the author were:-

• you play for yourself, your team and your college - and while that may seem daunting Julianne expressed it as a privilege (especially as the competition is very tough in the Regionals, and Julianne noted that the women's team were focussed on winning their regional qualifier as it was against the same University/College that had knocked out the Men's Washington Huskies team from their NCAA competition)
• you can either choose to let the pressure get on top of you, or trust in your processes and the preparation you have put in leading to that moment in time.  Enjoy the moment, for it's a unique and rare experience.
• while studying and playing under the US college system is extremely hard work (and not to underestimate how much work) it is also amazing and hugely rewarding, and finally
• treat everything as an opportunity.  While we make mistakes, it's how we look at them and learn from them that can lead on to something even better. 

On behalf of WGI and the Development Academy, we would like to thank Julianne for taking the time to talk with the squad.  You are truly an inspiration, and a role model for our up & coming players - because you have sat where they are sitting now. 

Thank you.