My College Experience

I will always be grateful for the time I had at Sacramento State. 

I did not have much records when I was recruited, but luckily, Coach David Sutherland saw potential in me. He gave the independence and trust I wanted. As I have coaches from back home in Sweden, I did not want a coach who told me what to do and what to practice. From his own experience, David was very understanding. He believed and cared for me, he let me do me. 

The thought of living in California was also very appealing, perfect weather all year around. A Swede’s dream. Sacramento has been a wonderful home. I love the city, the availability and access. 1,5 hours to the mountains and 1,5 hours to the ocean. 

I had no idea what it meant to be a student athlete when I started. I didn’t know anyone who went to college, I never gave my all in school, I thought I would have time to try out for the school’s soccer team. Ha! I was very very wrong. I put all my effort in school and golf. Since I didn’t know anything about college, it was important to me to go to a school where someone from Sweden already was. I knew that most Swedish golfers are hard working and I was extremely lucky to end up at the same school as Sofie Babic. She is an inspiration and my best friend to this day. We could relate to each other and could push each other to the better. 

 It was also important for me to play golf. I wanted to improve my game and the best way to get better is to compete. I played every tournament and I grew so much from the experience. I did not have the best college golf career, like most things in life, success does not come easy. I have worked my ass off and I have been disappointed in ways I didn’t know was possible. I have always believed in myself, but having back to back to back “bad” tournaments makes you doubt yourself. I care so much that every loss was devastating. On top of all outside stress, I put more stress on myself. But I am very happy I did. I got through it. I started to work with my sport psychologist in the fall of my sophomore year and she helped me to become a better version of myself. I learn from my mistakes and I trust the process. 

 I have always been a caring person and I have always been able to adapt to other people. At the same time, I have always expressed myself, my thoughts and opinions without caring what other people think about me. Being a member of a team, I learned to be patient. But more importantly, I learned how to mind my own business. In a stressful environment, you have to put yourself first. If you want to be successful, you can’t worry about what someone else is doing. I know that I need to focus on my own work and progress; I can’t help anyone if I can’t help myself. 

 My swing and long game has always been my strength. During the last few years, I have focused on my chipping and putting. I have decreased my putting average with 4 strokes. I have a greater ability of course management and strategy today, since I’ve played all kinds of courses. 

I have travelled all over the U.S. and I have loved it. I appreciate this opportunity so much. I have seen so much; have experienced a new culture, met people from all over the world, and I have seen the most wonderful places both on and off the golf course. I am and have always been motivated to see as much as possible and I took every chance I could while in college. I got more than I could ever imagine from my college experience; not only trips to Hawaii, Florida or Monterey, but I found the best people. It has been an honor to get to know all these amazing people and lifelong friends. I have friends who see me and believe in me. I am so grateful for all the support I receive on a daily basis, in good or bad. Coming from a country where people are more reserved, I was shocked by all the generosity I have been coming across. Great people make places even better, I appreciate all my friends I have met in Sacramento.  

Thank you Sacramento State for 4 memorable years.