Forever Pirates -- Emily Lewis

Our next installment of Forever Pirates features former women's golfer Emily Lewis, who competed for the Pirates from 2015-16. 

I began my collegiate journey at UC Davis but soon realized that it wasn't a good fit for me. It was a difficult decision to make because I felt like I was quitting and that didn't sit well with me. But what I didn't know at the time is that the decision to come back home and attend OCC for a year was one of the best decisions I have made. It led me to where I am today and the accomplishments I have achieved. 

Athletics had been a part of my life ever since I was 6 years old, whether that had been soccer, softball or golf. When I went to Davis, I missed having that aspect of my life and when I came back home, I knew I wanted to continue playing golf competitively. OCC provided me all those elements that were missing at UC Davis; it was close to home, I could take a variety of classes and narrow down what I wanted to major in and I could play golf.

I still remember very clearly the first team practice we had. I was nervous but excited at the same time. It was a small team, but everyone was very nice, and I was excited to start playing. I think because it was a small team it was easy to bond and practice together and Coach (Sean) Collins did a great job of keeping us all relaxed and having fun. We would practice almost every day not because it was required but because we wanted to. Personally, I think enjoying the sport you play makes it so much better. I didn't see it as a chore to go to the range; I saw it as a time to play a sport I love and hang out with good friends.

Even though we only had known each other for a few months, my teammates and I became really close. Not only did I become good friends with my OCC team, but I also got to know a lot of girls from the other teams. Golf is a unique sport in that you talk and interact with your opponents a lot. Because our conference was so big, we had to travel a lot to go to matches. Even the van rides to the courses were fun; it was never a dull moment with that group. Our last conference tournament was a multiple-day tournament in Palm Springs, so we decided to make it a fun getaway. We stayed in a suite for a couple of nights and were able to spend a lot of time together. That trip is one of my favorite memories of my time at OCC.

When I started at OCC, I didn't have any expectations on what I would/could accomplish while there. As the season progressed, I saw my game improve. I remember we were playing at Sycuan Golf Course in El Cajon and I broke 80 for the first time in a tournament. My mom came to watch me play that day and after I made my putt on 18, I turned to her and said in shock "I just shot 75." It was one of the best feelings. Coach Collins and my teammates were excited for me as well which made it even better. I think after that match I knew that I was capable of more than I believed.

After that I was able to qualify for Regionals as an individual with one of my teammates, September. From there I qualified for the State Championships which was held in Morro Bay. My teammates even made the drive out and watched me play which made it even better. I really enjoyed having their support during the tournament. Coach Collins was also a huge part of why I enjoyed my experience at OCC. Although he took it seriously and helped improve my game tremendously, he also made it fun which I appreciated.

My experience at OCC made me want to continue to play golf competitively and I was able to do that at Chapman University and graduate with a double major in accounting and finance. Even there, my OCC connection stayed strong. My former teammate, September, became the assistant coach at Chapman and during my senior year I qualified for the NCAA National Championship in Houston, TX and was able to share that experience with her as my coach. I was very grateful for that opportunity.

My OCC experience was special for so many reasons.  During an uncertain time in my life, it provided me with stability and resources to get my collegiate experience back on track.  OCC helped me discover a major that I'm well suited for and also solidified my love for being a student athlete and I will be forever grateful.