University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Seniors Reflect on Their Collegiate Careers
May 12, 2017 | Women's Golf
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Four seniors say goodbye to Rocky Top this season and hello to the next phase of their careers following the University of Tennessee's graduation ceremonies this week. Teleri Hughes, Emmie Pietila, Hannah Pietila, and Lucia Polo have given their all for the Tennessee women's golf program and Vol Nation over the past four years.
The talent and dedication they've exemplified have pushed the Volunteers to excel on and off the course as the Big Orange posted the highest GPA (3.66) in Tennessee Athletics' history and tied the program's best finish at the NCAA Championship (5th) in 2015.
Head Coach Judi Pavon, who just finished her 17th season at the helm of the program, regards this senior group as having the hardest workers she's coached.
"Teleri, Hannah, Emmie and Lucia have really raised the bar for the expectations of the new girls coming in," said Pavon.
They have not only raised the bar for future Vol golfers, but they have also redefined what it means to be a successful team with their strong team chemistry, perseverance and hard work.
Hughes played a major role in creating team chemistry by always bringing positivity and a smile to practice.
"I really wanted to spread positivity and just make sure that we remained positive throughout any hardships, knowing that everything is happening for a reason," said Hughes. "As long as we keep supporting each other, the best outcome will happen eventually."
The Knoxville native's positivity did not just contribute to the team's success, but it also left an impact on the community. Hughes was recognized for her time spent volunteering in 2016 as a member of the SEC Community Service Team.
"I love giving back to this community because I am from Knoxville," added Hughes. "It is really important to me to give back when I have the opportunity. These four years have been better than I could have ever expected. I have changed a lot through these past four years and community service and golf has helped me learn about myself. I think I am going out of this program a much better person and a much better golfer. I've gotten to meet great people, so it has just been a really positive experience."
The Knoxville native plans to turn professional this summer and start her own designer golf clothing line.
Lucia Polo, who also plans to turn professional and compete in Q-School in the fall, boasted a 3.94 GPA over her four years at Tennessee to set a new standard for the program. She's a two-time SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was been named a WGCA Academic All-American three years in a row (2014-2016).
"She's made an incredible impact on our program," said Pavon. "She's a hard worker, a great player, a good student and just a coach's dream to have."
In UT's last tournament of the season, the NCAA Athens Regional, Polo carded a final round 69 to tie her career-low 18-hole score and finish tied for 24th place.
"It has been a great experience to represent the University of Tennessee, especially being from Guatemala," said Polo. "All of the support from the athletic department and from Coach Pavon and Mandy has been awesome. My teammates and I have had an unbelievable experience. As we got deeper into the season, being a student-athlete at the University of Tennessee and representing the institution started to mean more and more to me."
For the Pietila sisters, this season has also meant more to them as they have grown closer.
"It has been awesome to have Emmie at practice, workouts and everything else," said Hannah Pietila. "She has pushed me to be a better golfer and has been a constant support system for me. I'm thankful that she has been on this journey with me and I look forward to continuing it professionally with her."
"It has been a lot of fun to play with Hannah at Tennessee and we have gotten a lot closer this year," added Emmie Pietila. "It is crazy to think that our collegiate careers are done now. It has been a lot of fun and I have learned a lot. I'm very thankful for the opportunity to come here and play for the University of Tennessee."
