By Elizabeth Paige Fierman
Haley Goucher’s schedule would make most college students’ heads spin. Her knowledge of molecular biology studies is astounding, her community service is humbling and her golf abilities are enviable.
A senior pre-med biology major at Boston University, Goucher has made Dean’s List each of the past four semesters. She works in a molecular biology lab on campus, researching the evolutionary origins of transcription factors in a certain type of sea anemone.
“This fall, a poster was presented on my project at the Undergraduate Research Symposium,” Goucher said.
As a varsity athlete, she serves on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and happily volunteers for service events they offer, as well. She also volunteers her time at a hospice service, visiting terminally-ill Alzheimer’s and cancer patients.
Goucher is a student advisor for incoming freshman at summer orientation. All the while, serving as a tri-captain of the Boston University Women’s Golf team, helping the team to capture its first-ever America East Championship during the 2005-06 season.
Goucher had never swung a club before golf tryouts were held her freshman year of high school. “I took a 7-iron and the ball went 130 yards,” she said. “I made the varsity team that day and have been hooked ever since.”
Always an athlete, Goucher played fast-pitch softball for 10 years, pitching for a successful team that frequently made it to American Softball Association National tournament. “I was on track to play softball in college,” she said. Her love for that sport faded, however, so she decided to pour her energy into golf.
Growing up in Olathe, Kansas, Goucher says she loved her typical mid-size, Midwestern suburban town. She always excelled academically ? Goucher was valedictorian of her high school class ? and athletically. Her family has supported her every step of the way, but quickly learned not to challenge her to a game of golf. “My parents both got into golf after me and my dad loves to pretend that he can beat me now,” she said. “My younger sister decided at an early age that competing against me. (It) wasn’t a good idea! She chose to be the talented artsy kid in the family.”
As far as golf inspiration is concerned, Goucher says, “I’m very much a Tiger person. The unbelievable amount of work he puts into his game and his complete lack of fear on the course are awe-inspiring; he truly deserves all the success he’s experienced.”
Moving far from home and traveling for athletics has given Goucher a wonderful college experience thus far. “The most rewarding aspect of my life at Boston U. has definitely been the people I’ve met,” she said. “Our former coach, Cammy Landry, is one of the biggest and best personalities I’ve ever met in my life, and my teammates and friends are truly awesome as well. I’m blessed to have so many people in my life that I can learn from.”
Winning the America East Championship last season was a memorable experience, Goucher says. “Our team puts in a ton of hard work that isn’t always recognized,” she said. “It was great that our time and effort paid off in such a big way. I’m glad we won it for her [Coach Cammy Landry] during her last season as coach.”
Through positive role models like Landry and unique experiences she has had with her teammates, Goucher says she has learned a lot from the game of golf that she is able to apply to her life. “Golf has taught me patience,” she said. “A round of golf is sometimes a six-hour long battle. No other sport requires that much mental discipline. You really have to have your head in the game at all times to do well.
“Golf has also taught me self-reliance. No one else can help me if I’m struggling during a round. It’s up to me to pick myself up and work through my own problems,” she said.
As the first semester of her senior year winds to a close, it might seem natural for Goucher to breathe a sigh of relief and begin to slow down her fast-paced life and busy schedule. However, that would not be in her nature... She is now applying to med school.