Fall Charge -- Tara Thomas (Women's Golf)
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Dear Bucknell Women's Golf Community,
That familiar saying, “Sometimes you don’t know what you’re missing until you find it,” definitely applies to my experience as a student-athlete at Bucknell University. During the fall of my high school senior year, the recruiting process proved challenging for me because I wasn’t willing to settle. I decided to look for a smaller school with a Civil Engineering program close to home. Several options fit those criteria but lacked one major determinant: Division I athletics. It’s rare to find this combination and I worked hard to achieve my goal to play women’s golf at the Division I level. While researching Bucknell, I discovered the clout and reputation of its nationally ranked Civil Engineering program along with its membership in the Patriot League for athletics.
When I received a call from the head coach of the women’s golf team at Bucknell, I nearly blew this amazing opportunity. It seemed too good to be true and I questioned my abilities. My friends and family, especially my parents, struggled to understand my hesitation, but once I realized that Bucknell University exceeded all my goals, the rest became my personal triumph.
To say that earning a degree in Civil Engineering is difficult at Bucknell is quite an understatement, but to balance that challenge as a student-athlete distinguishes those who are truly driven. I set out to just earn a spot in the starting line-up, improve my scores, and not get weeded out by rigorous first-semester classes. The Bucknell learning environment and team dynamics led me to the number one position and lowest overall scoring average as a freshman. I also made it on the dean’s list and survived that academic gauntlet. The athletic department at Bucknell supports its athletes and strives to provide the best conditions for success. It’s no secret that many Bison student-athletes compete without huge athletic scholarships. Still, teams continue to attract top athletic recruits from all over the country as well as a strong international contingent.
The Bachman Center stands as an elite golf practice facility. I’m so fortunate to hit balls at the range under a heated bay during the cooler months and analyze my swing with the latest Trackman technology. We are coached by Laura Tyler-Cook, a former professional tour player, who uses her experience on the course and competitive attitude to produce record-breaking results.
The academics and athletics at Bucknell are worth every late-night study session or grueling tournament road trip. I am beyond proud to wear a Bucknell University uniform and represent the women’s golf team. Although I don’t want my time here to end, I’m looking forward to walking at graduation with a student-athlete sash around my neck. After every practice round, 36-hole one-day tournament, weather delay, early morning weightlifting session, and night at the range, I know I earned it. I will forever be grateful for my athletic experience, the future career opportunities Bucknell University may present, and my appreciation for the continued efforts of Bison alumni.
None of these amazing opportunities or experiences would be possible without the support of alumni and donors. I plan to use all these resources to represent Bucknell proudly. It is truly an honor to captain the women’s golf team this year and I plan to guide our team with a focus on sportsmanship, work ethic, and the feeling that pressure is a privilege.
The remarkable experiences I've had at Bucknell have been made possible through the generosity and support of our program's backers. With another year of Bison Athletics in full swing, I am honored to share my experience with our loyal alumni, families, and friends. Your support plays a pivotal role in ensuring that my teammates and I have all the essential resources that allow us to compete at the highest level.
I found my school and my team and I’m so thankful that I never had to know what I could have been missing.
Go Bison!
Tara Thomas '25
Majoring in Civil Engineering
Bucknell Women's Golf
Dear Bucknell Women's Golf Community,
That familiar saying, “Sometimes you don’t know what you’re missing until you find it,” definitely applies to my experience as a student-athlete at Bucknell University. During the fall of my high school senior year, the recruiting process proved challenging for me because I wasn’t willing to settle. I decided to look for a smaller school with a Civil Engineering program close to home. Several options fit those criteria but lacked one major determinant: Division I athletics. It’s rare to find this combination and I worked hard to achieve my goal to play women’s golf at the Division I level. While researching Bucknell, I discovered the clout and reputation of its nationally ranked Civil Engineering program along with its membership in the Patriot League for athletics.
When I received a call from the head coach of the women’s golf team at Bucknell, I nearly blew this amazing opportunity. It seemed too good to be true and I questioned my abilities. My friends and family, especially my parents, struggled to understand my hesitation, but once I realized that Bucknell University exceeded all my goals, the rest became my personal triumph.
To say that earning a degree in Civil Engineering is difficult at Bucknell is quite an understatement, but to balance that challenge as a student-athlete distinguishes those who are truly driven. I set out to just earn a spot in the starting line-up, improve my scores, and not get weeded out by rigorous first-semester classes. The Bucknell learning environment and team dynamics led me to the number one position and lowest overall scoring average as a freshman. I also made it on the dean’s list and survived that academic gauntlet. The athletic department at Bucknell supports its athletes and strives to provide the best conditions for success. It’s no secret that many Bison student-athletes compete without huge athletic scholarships. Still, teams continue to attract top athletic recruits from all over the country as well as a strong international contingent.
The Bachman Center stands as an elite golf practice facility. I’m so fortunate to hit balls at the range under a heated bay during the cooler months and analyze my swing with the latest Trackman technology. We are coached by Laura Tyler-Cook, a former professional tour player, who uses her experience on the course and competitive attitude to produce record-breaking results.
The academics and athletics at Bucknell are worth every late-night study session or grueling tournament road trip. I am beyond proud to wear a Bucknell University uniform and represent the women’s golf team. Although I don’t want my time here to end, I’m looking forward to walking at graduation with a student-athlete sash around my neck. After every practice round, 36-hole one-day tournament, weather delay, early morning weightlifting session, and night at the range, I know I earned it. I will forever be grateful for my athletic experience, the future career opportunities Bucknell University may present, and my appreciation for the continued efforts of Bison alumni.
None of these amazing opportunities or experiences would be possible without the support of alumni and donors. I plan to use all these resources to represent Bucknell proudly. It is truly an honor to captain the women’s golf team this year and I plan to guide our team with a focus on sportsmanship, work ethic, and the feeling that pressure is a privilege.
The remarkable experiences I've had at Bucknell have been made possible through the generosity and support of our program's backers. With another year of Bison Athletics in full swing, I am honored to share my experience with our loyal alumni, families, and friends. Your support plays a pivotal role in ensuring that my teammates and I have all the essential resources that allow us to compete at the highest level.
I found my school and my team and I’m so thankful that I never had to know what I could have been missing.
Go Bison!
Tara Thomas '25
Majoring in Civil Engineering
Bucknell Women's Golf