
Hobbies and interests
Golf
Viviana Farias
1x
Finalist
Viviana Farias
1x
FinalistBio
Collegiate golfer who wants to pursue a degree in sports business to help athletes after me.
Education
Texas A & M University-Kingsville
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Career
Dream career field:
sports
Dream career goals:
Intern
St Thomas Aquinas Newman Center2026 – Present7 months
Sports
Golf
Varsity2015 – Present11 years
Public services
Volunteering
National Honor Society — Member2022 – 2024
Hulede Collegiate Golf Scholarship
1 - Outside of golf and academics, how do you invest your time?
Maintaining a balanced and healthy mind has always been crucial for me. After my freshman year, I came to the realization that being a student-athlete in college takes a significant mental toll. This realization prompted me to get involved at the Newman Center, a faith-based center for college students. I joined the Catholic Students Organization, where I attended events at the Center every Wednesday. After a few months of involvement, I decided to take on the role of an intern at the Newman Center. In this position, I’m responsible for brainstorming ideas for future events, posting on their social media to reach a wider audience in the community, and taking care of the center. Through these experiences, I’ve met many like-minded individuals and even formed friendships that focus on personal growth and deepening our relationship with our Lord. As a result of these roles, I was honored to be voted as the treasure of the Catholic Student Organization (CSO) for the upcoming school year. Balancing both these positions while also being a student-athlete has improved my time management skills. Additionally, being involved in the CSO serves as a constant reminder of my primary purpose: to grow in faith and glorify the Lord in all aspects of my life, both on and off the field.
2 - What are you currently studying in college or planning to study in college, and why?
Currently, I’m pursuing a degree in Sports Business, a passion ignited by my dad. From a young age, my sister and I enjoyed watching football games with him and going out on the course to play golf. I am thankful he kept us active. This constant exposure to athletics fostered my love for sports and ignited my desire to work in the industry. My ultimate goal is to work for a professional team in the marketing and promotions department. This field truly captivates me, as I value the creative process of engaging fans and crafting memorable experiences. Effective marketing not only enhances the enjoyment of the game but also ensures profitability for the team. Beyond my professional aspirations, I aspire to identify areas for improvement within the sports industry. By translating these insights into actionable changes, I aim to create more opportunities for young athletes. I hope to gain an education and experiences that equip me with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the sports world, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the game for future generations.
3 - How do you currently give back or plan to give back during college and beyond?
Giving back to my community is incredibly important to me. Without the unwavering support and encouragement of my loved ones, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Many people have supported and encouraged me through this journey, and I know I want to give back for those same reasons. Currently, I volunteer my time to helping with the youth program at my church. I also participate in our annual church retreat, where I share my faith stories to inspire others to grow in their faith. Ultimately, I would like to provide free lessons and camps to youth from low-income communities. I also hope to buy land and open up a non-profit camp where youth and adults can retreat to get closer to God. As I progress through college and embark on my future career, I desire to remain involved in both youth sports and my church community, striving to make a positive impact on those around me.
4 - The HCGS supports collegiate golfers through financial assistance and intentional mentorship. How would receiving this scholarship meaningfully impact your collegiate experience-academically, athletically, and personally?
In high school, I dedicated myself to both academics and golf, driven by a desire to alleviate the financial burden of college from my parents. They had generously supported me throughout my academic and golfing journey. This scholarship would significantly reduce the financial stress associated with college, including rent, gas, groceries, utilities, and other daily expenses. It would enable me to continue pursuing my degree without the worry of financial constraints. By alleviating some of these financial burdens, this scholarship would allow me to focus solely on excelling in both my studies and on the golf course. Receiving this scholarship would serve as a powerful reminder that others believe in my potential and that there are generous individuals willing to assist young athletes in achieving their dreams.
5 - Describe a moment of adversity or uncertainty on or off the course. How did you respond and what did that experience teach you about yourself?
A moment of uncertainty in my life was when I decided to enter the transfer portal after my freshman year of college. I had come to know my teammates well and felt comfortable being around them. It was starting to feel like home. However, I missed my family, my church, and I felt my golf game was being affected in a negative way. The decision to transfer was nerve racking because it meant leaving good friends behind. Although I had a great support system when I transferred to Texas A&M University–Kingsville, I initially questioned my decision. Adjusting to a new team, a new environment, and the unfamiliarity of the people left me feeling uncertain of my choice to transfer. After the fall season, I attended my church's college fall retreat where I opened myself up to meeting new people and becoming more involved. After that experience, I discovered the sense of belonging and the community I had been seeking. This experience taught me that growth often necessitates change, while also demonstrating to myself that I am capable of adapting and thriving in unfamiliar situations.