Morris Knolls’ Olivia Gaglione had a pretty successful sophomore season.
Not only did she lead her team to a Northern Division title in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference as a First Team selection, but she repeated as the NJAC individual champion and won the Morris County crown.
Gaglione also helped her team capture the NJAC and Morris County team titles.
Now, as she prepares for her junior campaign, Gaglione can check another item off her agenda after committing to Richmond University to continue her golfing career.
“Richmond was definitely my dream school. I went down for a visit and just loved everything that there is to love about a college,” Gaglione said. “The school itself is amazing, the area, and just how nice and welcoming everyone is. The minute I left the campus, I just thought that I could totally see a positive future for myself there.”
Gaglione also discussed how much the coaching staff played a role in her decision.
“The golf obviously also played a big factor,” she said. “Coach Calle Barlow really drew me into the program with how well the team bonds and how they are more like sisters than teammates.
“They all have fun together but know how to play at the competitive level, and I just think that is somewhere where I can see myself as an athlete growing so much. I hope that I can make a positive impact on the team when I get there and contribute to their awesomeness.”
Morris Knolls head coach Robert Moore explained what the commitment meant to him as well.
“I am so happy for Olivia,” he said. “Playing college golf on the D1 level has been a goal of hers, and she is an extremely driven athlete and dedicated student. She is a leader on the course and in the classroom and continues to improve both on and off the course.”
Gaglione will look to improve her standings in the sectional and state championships after finishing tied for sixth in the North Jersey, Group A tournament. She also tied for 32nd in the State Championships.
Gaglione said her decision will help her focus on the season ahead.
“As for this upcoming season as a junior, it’s a lot less stressful knowing that I’m committed and I can really hone in on what I want to get better at,” she said.
“I feel like I can focus more on enjoying my spring season with my teammates and practicing a whole lot more on what I want to accomplish and also bring to Richmond when I get there.”
