After Stephens County High School graduate Abby Akin wrapped up her freshman year as part of Brenau University’s golf program, Akin decided it was time for a change. She decided to change schools in order to pursue a new major and play golf for Truett McConnell University’s golf program.
“I left Brenau because I had a change in my major,” Akin said. “So I decided to go into ministry. So I want to work with Fellowship with Christian Athletes (FCA). So I chose Truett because, obviously, we are a Baptist college so they have given me what I needed to get that degree to get there.”
Despite having family ties to Brenau, Akin’s family supported her decision. Akin’s mother is an alumna of Brenau and her grandmother attended Breanu as well.
“They were not disappointed. They were very proud that I chose ministry,” Akin said.
Akin made the change from majoring in interior design as a Golden Tiger to ministry at Truett.
Not only did her major course of studies and her school change, but the now junior’s level of golf play has changed -- for the better.
“My goals were actually to start shooting in the 70s at tournaments and seeing my work pay off,” Akin said. “I actually reached my goal in one of our tournaments in Indiana. So that was really exciting.”
Akin cracked into the 70s in her third day in the Indiana Wesleyan Fall Invite earlier this season. In that tournament, played at Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, Ind., on her first day, the former Lady Indian recorded a score of 81 then carded an 84 the next day. In the third and final round, Akin carded a career low of 79.
“When you can finally do that its just like finally breaking through and accomplishing that goal you worked for,” Akin said. “So it is really cool to do that in competition,” she said.(Truett finished third of seven teams in the invitational.)
Akin’s venture into the 70s didn’t stop with the final round in Indiana. Her next sub-80 round came during a 36-hole tournament on Jekyll Island. In her opening 18 holes, Akin struggled in the first round scoring a 94. But in the second 18 the following day, Akin improved by an impressive 17 strokes to record a 77 in round two. Akin said that is one of the lessons she has learned at the collegiate level -- not to dwell on the bad days.
“I would definitely say don’t let your bad days define you,” Akin said. “It’s almost like if you have a bad day, it’s the same as having a bad hole during a round. You have to leave it behind you and move on and focus on what is next. If you’re stuck in the past you will not be able to shake it off and move forward.”
This season the Lady Bears placed third in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Akin said she is enjoying her time as a Lady Bear and is glad about her decision to be a part of Truett McConnell. Akin is apart of the Fellowship with Christian Athletes and holds a leadership position on her campus.
“I just felt really led to after trying to figure out as a freshman what I wanted to do. I just really felt led that ministry is what I felt called to do,” Akin said. “That felt most rewarding. I just feel like that is where my purpose is.”