Par Excellence

Golfer on course for success

February 19, 2008

For many people, golf is an endless source of frustration. Countless slices, hooks and missed two-foot putts can do that.

For Annie Gibala '10, it's a lifelong sport, a social ice-breaker and a great way to cope with life's daily hurdles.

And it's just one of many social activities, on and off campus, for Gibala.

"Golf is definitely a de-stressor," said Gibala, a law & policy major and member of the Dickinson College golf team.

It's also cause for celebration. Last autumn at the Susquehanna Golf Fall Festival in Selinsgrove, Pa., Gibala drained a hole-in-one on the 143-yard third hole.

"I was so pumped when I saw the ball roll into the cup," she said. "It was the best-struck 5-iron I've ever hit."

Impressive feat

Gibala, of Rockville, Md., and her playing partner weren't the only golfers on the course impressed by the feat. Two members of the country club who were playing ahead drove their cart back to offer their congratulations.

"That was really flattering," she said.

Gibala, who shot a tournament-best 89, beating the second-place finisher by eight strokes, is consistently one of the top players in the college's growing golf program, said Sports Information Director Charlie McGuire.

Gibala's performance off the golf course is equally impressive and engaging. She is a member of the Student Senate's community relations committee, serving as U-Turn co-coordinator. Every year, U-Turn volunteers collect various items and clothing from students to donate to the Carlisle Yard Sale. Proceeds from the sale benefit United Way.

Gibala's notes of Student Senate meetings are published each week in The Dickinsonian, and she volunteers as a mentor to help a first-year student, with whom she meets once a week, adapt to college.

Last summer and fall, she reached out to a dozen new college students even earlier in the collegiate process by volunteering as an orientation assistant.

Off campus, Gibala is a volunteer at the Hanover Street-based Employment Skills Center, where she helps out as a fundraiser.

"Annie is a diligent student who can handle her academic and athletic obligations very well," said Doug Edlin, assistant professor of political science and her adviser.

During golf season, "I usually just stay up late to finish my homework on the days we have a tournament or practice," Gibala said. "Having practice actually motivates me to use my time wisely."

Lifelong pursuit

Gibala grew up "playing golf for pretty much my entire life," thanks to the presence of a golf-obsessed father and brothers who play the sport.

"Playing golf with my dad is definitely one of my fondest memories of my childhood," she said.

Gibala, who is considering a career in law, expects the sport will continue to complement all aspects of her life. "Golf is so much fun," she said. "Playing golf will absolutely blend with whatever career I end up choosing."

For now, golf is just one aspect of talented, multifaceted student.

"I like being involved with the school," Gibala said. "I like knowing people and meeting first-year students. I think it's important to not only do your homework and get good grades, but to be part of the community. It's also fun."

- Andrew Williams '08