Hello Illini Nation!

I hope everyone has stayed safe and enjoyed their summer so far. A new school year will be here soon. This summer has presented opportunities for us to grow individually and prepare for the upcoming season. I have worked at Urbana Country Club and helped with the junior camp. It was a new experience working at a golf course and teaching the juniors the way my coaches taught me when I was little.

I am extremely grateful for the resources given to us as student-athletes from the University of Illinois. I feel so blessed to have our outdoor facility, Lauritsen/Wohlers. I have been able to improve on all aspects of my golf game by working on various shots and drills. Playing in the Illinois Women's Open, I had the opportunity to assess my improvements since the beginning of summer. I shot 69-76-68, finishing third and was the low amateur. Our alumnus Tristyn Nowlin won the tournament with 69-69-70! I am so fortunate to be an Illini because of the support we receive wherever we are in the country and feel like part of a bigger family. Our alumnus Bing Singhsumalee was caddying for Tristyn Nowlin, and on the last day of the event, Dana Gattone, another alumnus, was at the tournament supporting the Illini family.

Reflecting on the tournament, I noticed the growth in different areas of my game and identified areas I need to further develop before the beginning of a new school year. My teammates have been playing tournaments and getting ready for our next astonishing season. As a team, we meet every two weeks to catch up and discuss the process we need to take to become our best selves for the team and the Illini family. We are all looking forward to an amazing 2021-2022 year! Go Illini!

I-L-L!

Crystal Wang