By Elizabeth Rockwell
Abby Bullion has been challenged this semester in ways that she did not anticipate her college career to challenge her.
Bullion is a junior early childhood education and intervention specialist major who also is a member of the golf team.
With the challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bullion had to come to the tough decision of opting out this semester. In doing this, she is not allowed to participate in any golf tournaments or practice with her teammates.
Abby Bullion. Photo courtesy Abby Bullion
“This was easily the hardest choice I have had to make in college,” Bullion said. “I felt it was the best decision for me despite the pressure I put on myself to keep going for my team. Putting my family’s health in danger just wasn’t worth the risk.”
In the past year, Bullion’s father has been diagnosed with colon cancer. She recognized if she wanted to see her dad after his treatments and surgery, it would be unsafe to participate in the competition.
With the uncertainty that was presented over the summer with the NCAA decision to suspend play and the HCAC decision as well, it left a lot of decisions to be made by all student-athletes across the country.
Some of the losses Bullion recounted on were of great importance to succeed in college. These losses included structure, social life and motivation. Not being able to go to the golf course when other teammates were practicing or being able to just interact at the golf course significantly impacted her.
Bullion does drawback to some of the great experiences she did have with her team and what she is doing now to fill the void. Focusing on her studies and making new connections with others, Bullion uses this as her new motivation to keep going through the semester to make it to winter break.
Abby Bullion at Tobacco Road Golf Club in Sanford, North Carolina. Photo by Elizabeth Rockwell
“I am looking forward to after winter break,” Bullion said. “If all things go well, I will be back on the course doing what I love with the people that I love. This break has helped me realize how much I truly enjoy golf and my teammates.”
The next golf season for the Beavers will start next year after winter break with indoor team practices and competition approaching soon after.
Bullion is looking forward to what the new year will bring for sports on campus and what it will mean for her to finally be back in action with her teammates.
