Delaney Shah
On March 12th, 2020 I was sitting in our family room at home with my dad and brother after going on a hike. I had no idea I was about to get a call that would alter my sports career. The moment I heard my coach's voice on the other line, I knew something was not right. She briefly told me that the NCAA had made the decision to cancel all spring sports, and that we had no other information at that time. I remember franticly trying to call my teammates, while refreshing social media to get as many updates as possible, as my dad sat there in disbelief. So many different emotions rushed through my body, "There goes my final spring semester as an athlete" "Why is this happening?" "Will we get to come back for another year to compete for a National Championship?" Not knowing any answers, what the next step would be, or where life was taking me, this was the first time I completely felt lost.
In my first three years of playing college golf I got to experience my older teammates last putt of their collegiate career, always thinking that one day that would be me. You can't help but imagine what it would be like. Your teammates and coaches watching, your family and friends cheering you on, and that feeling when the putt goes in of "Wow, that chapter of my life is officially done." And that moment was taken away from me. No last time I would get to wear that Cardinal bird on my chest in competition. No last flight home with my team. No last team workout, senior dinner, not even a graduation. On March 12th all of those events I once thought were a guarantee were taken not only from me, but every other senior athlete.
When I found out I could take another year of eligibility, I immediately thought that was going to be my decision. I was going to stay and all those "lasts" I never got the chance to experience could finally be a reality. However, coming back to Louisville came with a twist. The University ruled that the scholarship I had received for the last 4 years would not be guaranteed for that fifth year, and that I would only be given whatever scholarship was left over in the team allotment. As an out-of-state student having 8 girls already coming for the 2021 season, the amount of out-of-pocket money to come back to play was more than I was comfortable paying. I had already graduated with a major and a minor, so I had no need to come back to finish a degree. It was time for me to decide what was going to be best for me and my future, not what I wanted in that moment.
In making the decision to not come back to school, I knew my next move was to turn professional. I wanted to make my debut special, so I decided that the first professional tournament I would play in would be in my home state of Maryland. This was very meaningful for me so that I could be close to home with my friends and family to be there around this monumental event. Teeing it up with familiar faces around me definitely helped calm the nerves, and it is a moment I will never forget. Deciding to forgo my fifth year made my future a scary unknown, but deep down I knew this was the right decision, and it has allowed me to focus on myself as a golfer, person, and overall athlete. I am excited to see where this next chapter of my life takes me, and I appreciate all the support and encouragement from everyone around me.