Falcon Spotlight

Gillian McDonald

Gillian McDonald is a member of the women’s golf team. She began playing high school golf when she was in eighth grade, so she had many years of golf experience before attending UW-River Falls.

The transition from high school golf to college golf was not that difficult for McDonald.

“You just have a lot more people that are able to play at a higher level,” McDonald said.

The other main difference is that in high school the competitive season is in the spring, and in college it is in the fall.

McDonald’s favorite part of being on the golf team at UWRF is the sport’s unique combination of the team and the individual.

“It’s fun to have a team atmosphere but also be able to be competitive by yourself and have your score completely depend upon how you perform,” McDonald said.

McDonald is a sophomore this year, but she already has a strong presence at UWRF and in the WIAC. In 2012 she won an All-WIAC award, and in 2013 she was named UWRF Athletics Newcomer of the Year.

Despite winning these prestigious awards, the highlight of McDonald’s golf career at UWRF thus far is team-oriented.

“Our team keeps getting better year after year, and it’s fun to compete toward the top tier of the conference,” she said.

McDonald holds herself to high standards and sets the bar high for her personal goals in the sport. Her best career score is a 73, and her best college score thus far is a 78.

“I hope to consistently shoot in the 70s and show improvement year after year,” McDonald
said.

McDonald works just as hard in the classroom as she does on the golf course. In 2012, she was a member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. She is a dual degree student and is studying applied physics and mechanical engineering.

Outside of golf and school, she enjoys the outdoors. “I just like to be outside or out on the water,” McDonald said.

In addition, she is a two-sport athlete here at UWRF. You will see her on ice with the Falcons this winter as a goalie on the women’s hockey team.