Senior Spotlight: Lois Kaye Go

Born in the Philippines, senior Gamecock Lois Kaye Go has had an impressive career during her time at South Carolina. She spent her freshman campaign at Boston College, leading the team with a 72.29 stroke average and becoming only the second golfer in program history to qualify individually for an NCAA Regional. During her first year at South Carolina, Go competed in each of the team’s 10 events and ranked second among Carolina golfers in stroke average. Adding to her resume, she was a 2018 Asian Games Golf Medalist, part of the 2019 Arnold Palmer Cup International Team and won the Philippine Amateur Open Championship last year. Off the course, Go enjoys sudoku puzzles, baking and listening to Ariana Grande.

Lois recently shared her feelings about the season getting cut short, her favorite memories at South Carolina and more in this Senior Spotlight.

What is your favorite place you have ever visited?

Osaka, Japan

Who is your favorite band or artist?

Ariana Grande

What is your favorite T.V. show right now?

La Casa de Papel

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring and why?

I would bring a water purifier, an umbrella, and Sudoku puzzles. A water purifier because I am pretty particular with the water I drink (which drives my roommate craaazy!). An umbrella because I almost always use one when I’m under the sun. Sudoku puzzles because I enjoy doing them.

What is your favorite food?

Lechon Paksiw

How do you spend your free time outside of golf?

I mostly watch TV shows. Sometimes, when I get bored of my TV shows, I bake.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My brother. Ever since I was young, I have always looked up to him. He’s always set a really good example for me and my sister. I can’t really describe why, but I just really admire his character and personality.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

My roommate’s words: “Best. Person. Ever.” HAHAHA just kidding!

Determined, caring, and cheerful

You have played in multiple ANNIKA events throughout your junior and collegiate career. Can you tell us your favorite memory from one of our events you competed in?

I would say the 3M visit was the most memorable one for me. Every year, I look forward to seeing all of the exhibits displayed for us. I think the coolest thing inside is the amphitheater-dome open area where we sit and watch a video on the ceiling.

It is heartbreaking to hear that your senior golf season has been cut short. Can you tell me your initial thoughts when you first heard the news? What feelings or emotions did you go through?

When I first heard the news, I was in denial at first. I told myself that this is just simply not possible and that there is still hope the NCAA will turn back on their decision after a couple of weeks. At that point, the SEC still hadn’t officially cancelled everything, so I was counting on that. I didn’t want to accept any decision made until my coaches told us this season is officially over. When we had a meeting a few days after, that’s when it finally hit me. I quickly became very emotional – I burst into tears and couldn’t stop crying no matter how hard I tried. I was reminiscing on my collegiate career and just like that, it was over. I was looking forward to our conference and post-season tournaments, especially since they would be my last. I was just devastated thinking that my college career will never be complete because of the sudden and unexpected halt.

What is your greatest memory of the past 3 years spent as a Gamecock?

There are way too many great memories to choose only one. I can say though that I will never forget the van rides with my teammates. We always have ‘performances’ in the van singing our hearts out – from performing the whole Bella Finals from Pitch Perfect with all the dance moves to reenacting Jack and Rose’s iconic scene from the Titanic. Given how loud we all can get, I am honestly surprised how my coaches haven’t gone deaf or told us to shush from all the noise.

Looking back on your time at South Carolina, can you describe what it was like and what it taught you both on and off the golf course?

I’ve really been enjoying my time here at Carolina. I really love the atmosphere and the people here. One, my teammates and my coaches are just amazing people. I always love spending time with them during practice, traveling to tournaments, and hanging out off the golf course. Two, the administration and academic staff are composed of people who genuinely care about each athlete’s future and are dedicated to ensuring an athlete’s success on and off the golf course. I really appreciate all of their efforts because it gives me a sense of comfort knowing that I am better prepared for my future after golf. Three, the Sports Medicine staff has been extremely helpful with giving me the proper recovery and treatment to deal with any problems. Everyone in the Gamecock community treats each other like family and I’m just so grateful to be part of it <3

During my time here, I have definitely learned a lot of lessons. I would say the biggest lessons that I learned were independence and responsibility. Being far away from home, I knew I had to do things on my own and be responsible for myself. I also learned time management and discipline from constantly having to juggle athletic and academic responsibilities. As a student-athlete, I’ve oftentimes found myself not having enough hours in day to do all the things that I want. So, I had to learn how to set priorities and plan ahead, which then required discipline to maintain. Another really important lesson that I have learned is the impact one person can have on a group of people. For example, a good teammate can bring the spirits of the whole team up; a bad teammate, on the other hand, can do the opposite. This is why I make it a goal for me to be the best teammate I can possibly be so I will be in a position to help the teammates that I care about and the team as a whole.

You started playing golf at Boston College. How did you choose to transfer to South Carolina?

I was scheduled to go on official visits to four schools and South Carolina was my first stop. I really enjoyed the visit and loved the coaches, academic staff, and the atmosphere in Columbia. I was also really impressed with the golf facilities. I just felt that South Carolina would be a good fit for me and so I committed to be a Gamecock before continuing on my other visits.

Do you have any encouraging words to share to other fellow seniors who are no longer going to be able to finish their final seasons as a collegiate athlete?

I would say that the most important thing now is to find positives and look forward. Although it is unfortunate that the current situation resulted in our seasons getting cut short, there is nothing much that we can do about it but find the silver lining, so remain positive and hopeful. We need to look ahead and plan for the future, whether it is pursuing a professional career, pursuing further education, or finding a job. We shouldn’t dwell on what was taken from us but remember and cherish all the amazing memories that we had and shared with teammates, coaches, and friends we met along the way.

If you could tell your younger self one thing now, what would it be?

During the recruiting process, I felt a lot of pressure in choosing the right school. There was no telling whether or not the school that I pick would be a right fit for me. Looking back, I would tell my younger self that there was not much need to worry because everything will work out according to God’s plan. I never would’ve imagined that I would find the ‘right’ school in my sophomore year.

What are some tips you can share with junior golfers who are getting ready to play college golf next year?

I would say that the most important thing now is patience. As a freshman, getting acclimated to being in college, juggling golf and school, is a challenge; it will only be made harder with all the uncertainty going around. However, they shouldn’t let all the negativity affect their excitement for college! College has been an extremely special experience for me, and I just can’t wait for other junior golfers to experience the same!

What are you plans for the fall now that they have announced the extra year of eligibility?

I am gladly taking the amazing opportunity allowed by the NCAA and the USC athletic administration. I am extremely thankful that the NCAA granted this option for spring athletes and even more to our athletic administration for making this possible for all Gamecocks. I can’t wait to be playing as a Gamecock once again this coming year!