192SPRING ATHLETICS Above AR Senior Abbey Bryan pursues a Ph.D. following her time as a collegiate golfer. SENIOR WOMEN’S GOLFER ABBEY BRYAN was inspired by a personal childhood illness to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering following her graduation. Growing up with a severe dairy allergy, Bryan decided to tailor her doctoral studies toward immune system research. “My [plan] is going into an industry where I can pursue allergy research and possibly become a professor after,” Bryan said. As a high school student, Bryan considered furthering her education at either Texas A&M University or Harding University. Bryan valued the educational excellence and the avenue of Christian teachings available at Harding University. In addition, the University provided Bryan with the opportunity to continue her passion for golf. During her undergraduate years at Harding, Bryan excelled both academically and athletically. Going into her senior golf season in 2021-22, Bryan recorded two career top-10 finishes. Additionally, in 2020, Bryan was named Academic All-GAC. Bryan attributed part of her academic success to her athletic experiences. Collegiate athletes held each other accountable, conveying the importance of many life skills, including time management and integrity. Bryan knew that her time as a collegiate golfer prepared her for her future biomedical engineering career. “Golf emphasizes the importance of principles such as integrity and honesty,” Bryan said. “Going into an ethical field known for reporting data accurately, I know these principles will be so important moving forward.” During the 2021-22 season, Bryan was the only senior on the women’s golf team and was voted team captain. Junior Kodie Winnings respected Bryan and her leadership. “Abbey has always been a wonderful motivator for us not just as a teammate but also as a friend,” Winnings said. “She celebrates us in our success and is a shoulder when we are going through a hard time.” Winnings was familiar with the difficulties Bryan overcame to achieve athletically and academically. “Practice is multiple hours long, tournaments take up days, our weekends are spent playing on the course, and yet she makes time for her schooling, her future career path and golf,” Winnings said. “You will rarely, if ever, see her complain about how busy she is, and she would drop anything to be there for any of her teammates.” Bryan’s drive and passion for both academics and athletics was admired by her teammates. Sophomore Brenda Sanchez found that a bus ride without Bryan reading or studying lectures was not a normal ride. “She is very committed to both school and golf,” Sanchez said. “I greatly admire the enthusiasm and excitement she has for her studies.” Bryan decided between four schools for her doctoral studies in biomedical engineering: Her final list included the University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Georgia Tech and Texas A&M. Bryan said she was open to wherever God took her. As for her golf career, Bryan planned to continue golfing as a hobby after graduation. Golf played a special role in her life and provided an avenue of fun for her and her family. WRITTEN BY HAYLEY KATE WEBB
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