Transfering to a different university can be a hard process because not only do you have to explain that you are leaving to your coach–you also have to get recruited by a new one! To make this decision, athletes need to have clear objectives and be completely sure that they want to transfer.
With that in mind, who better to ask about the transfer process than Bernardita Villalba, a senior golf player from Argentina who transferred from the University of Montevallo to Rollins College in the middle of her career? Throughout the process, Villalba has been able to adapt, make new friends and have a successful golf career with the Tars. Here are her tips and tricks for navigating the transfer process.
Why did you decide to change university in the middle of your degree? And why Rollins?
I decided to transfer because I wanted to live in Florida and I wanted to have different challenges in my academics and in golf. I chose Rollins because I liked the golf program that they have, the great business program and the beautiful campus. I wanted to be able to experience something different from what I was used to.
Related: Rate Rollins College
How was the experience of transferring from Montevallo to Rollins? Was the transfer portal a useful tool? What was the reaction of your previous coach when you told him you wanted to transfer?
The experience was good, [and] the transfer portal helped me to have more options and to contact some coaches but not to get my final decision. I used the transfer portal to open more options and get noticed by different coaches. My previous coach wasn't happy about it–it was hard to tell him that I had decided to transfer but I was honest and he accepted my decision.
How did transferring affect your studies? Have you been able to continue studying what you liked?
It didn't affect my studies at all, I could transfer all my credits and continue studying what I like.
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Any advice for approaching a new coach?
One [piece of] advice I can give is to be honest in the objective you seek and always speak with respect. Also, be yourself and be transparent with new coaches.
How many schools did you reach out to?
I reached out to 10-15 schools.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering transferring?
To be clear about the objectives you are looking for in the other university and not to rush into making the decision
How do you value your experience after one year in your new college?
I think the experience was positive. I was able to adapt to a different training method, play tournaments with different girls which improved my level and I was able to get to know more people [and make] new friends and connections.
What is the best benefit you got from transferring?
Getting to know more people and different universities from a lot of places with different systems of education.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on September 8, 2022, by Camila Cramer
