LA Story: Victoria Morgan and Robynn Ree
August 11, 2017 | Women's Golf, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
For members of the USC women's golf team, May 24, 2017 was a life-changing day.
The Women of Troy fell one hole short of advancing to the NCAA title match, suffering a 3-2 loss to Northwestern. But later in the day, the heartbreaking loss was put in perspective when USC head coach Andrea Gaston revealed to the team that she had been diagnosed with uterine cancer two months prior.
Gaston, who has led USC to three national titles and an active streak of 12 straight top 5 national finishes, was diagnosed in early March, but she scheduled her treatment for May 26, giving her a chance to see the season through. She underwent a successful surgery and was given a cancer-free diagnosis in June.
"All of our hearts dropped when we found out Coach Gaston was battling cancer," said rising junior Robynn Ree. "But we also know she's an incredibly strong woman and we are thrilled she's on the road to recovery."
Recent alum Victoria Morgan explained what a big role Gaston has played in her life. "Five years ago, Coach Gaston gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to walk on to her No. 1 ranked team at USC. Since that time, she has never given up on me or her team regardless of the adversity we faced," Morgan said. "She has been so influential in my life. Hearing the news that she had cancer was incredibly emotional, but I am certain that she will battle through this like she always does."
To honor their head coach and mentor, Morgan and Ree posed in front of a meaningful mural. Check out their full tribute below:
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The Women of Troy fell one hole short of advancing to the NCAA title match, suffering a 3-2 loss to Northwestern. But later in the day, the heartbreaking loss was put in perspective when USC head coach Andrea Gaston revealed to the team that she had been diagnosed with uterine cancer two months prior.
Gaston, who has led USC to three national titles and an active streak of 12 straight top 5 national finishes, was diagnosed in early March, but she scheduled her treatment for May 26, giving her a chance to see the season through. She underwent a successful surgery and was given a cancer-free diagnosis in June.
"All of our hearts dropped when we found out Coach Gaston was battling cancer," said rising junior Robynn Ree. "But we also know she's an incredibly strong woman and we are thrilled she's on the road to recovery."
Recent alum Victoria Morgan explained what a big role Gaston has played in her life. "Five years ago, Coach Gaston gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to walk on to her No. 1 ranked team at USC. Since that time, she has never given up on me or her team regardless of the adversity we faced," Morgan said. "She has been so influential in my life. Hearing the news that she had cancer was incredibly emotional, but I am certain that she will battle through this like she always does."
To honor their head coach and mentor, Morgan and Ree posed in front of a meaningful mural. Check out their full tribute below:
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Players Mentioned
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