Freshman
Monica Vaughn has been a bright spot for the ASU golf team this
season. Meeting her goal of playing in every tournament in the fall season,
Vaughn has been the consistent player the Sun Devils coveted.
Coming from Reedsport, Ore., Vaughn has been tied to the game of golf her whole life. Ever since she was 3 years old, Vaughn has been swinging a golf club and learning the game from her dad and older sisters.
“My whole family golfs, both of my older sisters played for Oregon State,” Vaughn said. “My dad introduced me to golf. He has been my coach, mentor and teacher my whole life.”
The transition from a population of 4,000 people in Reedsport to a population of over 160,000 in Tempe has been challenging for Vaughn, but she prepared well for it.
“I know everyone in Reedsport and have grown up with the kids in my class since kindergarten,” Vaughn said. “My graduating class had only 36 kids in it. Moving here has been such a huge change in my life, but I was ready for it. Living in the city has been difficult at times but also very convenient. I do not have to drive an hour and a half to get to a shopping mall. I had to get used to the class sizes and how big campus was, and even things like driving around Tempe.”
Coming to Arizona has not only been a big transition for her, but also for her older sister Aubrey Vaughn. Aubrey said that the Vaughn family misses Monica a lot, but that FaceTime and Skype help a lot.
"We all miss (Vaughn) a lot, all the time," Aubrey said. "We are all so proud of her freshman performance and for kicking some serious butt. It is hard sometimes, because we all cannot get away at the same time, because we all work together. ... It is fun, though, to watch her on the internet. They have really good coverage of the tournaments, and we are able to watch her online."
Vaughn chose ASU, because she viewed it as the best place to improve her skills as a golfer and a great place to earn an education. Being able to escape the rainy weather was an added bonus.
“I love being here in Arizona and at ASU,” Vaughn said. “This was a good decision, and I am very happy that I am here.”
ASU coach Melissa Luellen has been extremely impressed by Vaughn's play and overall leadership during her first season at ASU.
"(Vaughn) understands team, because she was an all-state volleyball player in Oregon," Luellen said. "She is a natural leader, which is not always easy as a freshman. She has let her clubs do the talking and gained the respect of her teammates and coaches."
Luellen also said the weather and new environment is something to which Vaughn has had to adjust.
"This is the first time ever she has practiced golf full time in good weather and great facilities, which is showing in her results," Luellen said. "After some initial home-sickness, she has settled into her new surroundings and loves being a Sun Devil."
Heading into the spring season, Vaughn will again have her own personal goal of competing in all the tournaments, but she has circled one tournament in particular.
The Pac-12 championship will be held in Oregon, and Vaughn is hoping to qualify for that tournament so her friends and family can watch her play.
“Having the chance to win the championship back home in Oregon would be a great way to end my first season as a Sun Devil,” Vaughn said.
Reach the reporter at afeyrer@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter at @coffeeblack910
