Gratitude.

Although this is a concept that is often taken for granted, there is a reason it is one of our team's core values. It is an honor and a privilege to represent the University of Illinois through the Women's Golf Team and with this has come many opportunities to share our blessings with others. Our time at the Schooner Fall Classic was one of those experiences that reminds us that our positions as student-athletes mean so much more than just the game.

One of the many unique experiences we had this week in Oklahoma was our time playing in the College-Am. Instead of having the formal practice round that we usually do, we had the chance to play with groups of amateurs who have supported this tournament by donating at least $10,000. Although some may have been in awe of our games, we were more inspired by their generosity and their stories of how they came to the position to be so generous.

The night of the College-Am, all of the teams were invited to Hollywood Corners, an old-time gas station and restaurant owned by renowned country singer Toby Keith. This venue was fully equipped with a huge backyard and stage where we got to have an amazing Oklahoma BBQ dinner while witnessing an exclusive and intimate concert by Toby. He and his wife, Tricia, are the main sponsors of the tournament and their relationship with this tournament and the state of Oklahoma is the epitome of sharing your blessings with those less fortunate.

The following night after the first round of play, all of the teams were invited to the OK Kids Korral, founded by the Toby Keith Foundation. The Korral provides a place to stay for families whose children are receiving cancer treatment at the OU Medical Center or other nearby facilities at no charge to the family. We received a tour of the place and had the honor of getting to play games and interact with some of the kids and their families who were currently living at the facility. It was so amazing and eye-opening to see the impact someone can have on the lives of these families. We even learned about a family who had come all the way from Egypt to live at the Korral for about 380 consecutive days. This family is now thriving back at home and doing great.

At the end of the tournament, we were grateful to personally meet and thank Toby and Tricia for all they have done, not just to make this tournament a great success, but for all they have done for their community.

Having these experiences during the tournament really gave us some perspective while playing out on the course. We truly don't play hard for ourselves. We play for the people we met at the pro-am, for the kids in the Korral, for the Illini donors who make our student-athlete dreams a reality, for the block I on our chest, for our families who supported us since day one. Playing with this level of gratitude in mind has made this the best experience we've had at a college tournament and we hope to bring this every time we tee it up. No matter how windy, how hot, how many sleepless nights from schoolwork, these become easy to work through when we know it's for something bigger than ourselves.

A huge shout out to Tristyn for playing her heart out and picking up her second (and very well-deserved) collegiate win! Also, shout out to our very own Pina Gentile for winning the closest to the pin, marshmallow driving contest between the assistant coaches!

Hope to see a wave of orange and blue to #JoinTheFight at our next event at the Illini Women's Invitational at Medinah!

Till then, I-L-L!

Ali Morallos