Carolina Lopez-Chacarra
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
The most meaningful non-academic experience at Wake Forest was winning a Team National Championship with an incredible group of teammates. This achievement was a testament to how much we grew together throughout the season, both as athletes and as a team. A defining moment in our journey happened during the Regionals, the qualifying tournament for Nationals, where only the top four teams advance. With seven holes left in our final round, we were outside the qualifying spots. However, as a team, we rallied together and shot 7-under in the last five holes, securing our place in the championship. This moment embodied our resilience, belief in one another, and determination, which ultimately led us to a national title. This experience wasn’t just about winning; it was about the journey, the challenges we overcame, and the lifelong bonds we created along the way. We also made history by securing Wake Forest Women’s Golf’s first-ever national title, a moment that will stay with me forever.
What surprised you most about your Wake Forest experience?
ThWhat surprised me most about my experience at Wake Forest was the warm welcome I received from the very beginning and the strong sense of family within the community. I have been amazed by the incredible people I’ve met and the meaningful relationships I’ve built with individuals of various ages and nationalities. Wake Forest has truly become a place where I feel connected and supported, both personally and academically.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
My head coach, Kim Lewellen, and assistant coach, Ryan Potter, have had the greatest impact on my experience at Wake Forest. They have made the university feel like a home away from home, providing unwavering support and guidance. Because of them, I have learned invaluable life lessons both on and off the golf course. They have played a crucial role in shaping the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity they have given me to pursue a college degree while continuing to do what I love most: playing golf.
Now that you are a graduating student, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself as an incoming student four years ago?
If I could give advice to myself as an incoming student four years ago, I would say: Enjoy every moment, because it goes by faster than you can imagine. Four years may initially seem like a long time, but before you know it, you’ll be looking back, wondering where the time went. Take every opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, explore different classes, and embrace experiences beyond what you’re used to. Make friends, build relationships, and invest in the people around you, because those connections will last a lifetime. College is not just about academics or athletics, it’s about growing as a person, discovering who you are, and creating memories that will stay with you forever.