Former Northeast Conference freshman and golfer of the year Tomita Arejola transferred to Campbell after spending her first two years at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, N.J. Arejola recently took time from her schedule to chat with Campbell Athletics Communication student intern Josh Hetherington about her golfing background and other items.
Question: What is it like coming to the U.S. from Quezon City, Philippines?
Tomita Arejola: I live in a place where I do not see anything but buildings and cars. I would say it's like the New York of the Philippines, but it's still a third world country. I see drastic differences from the United States in comparison to the Philippines. Poverty is a huge problem in my country so I am very thankful for every opportunity that I am given.
Q: How did college recruiters find you in this part of the world?
TA: Every summer from 2015-2018, I would come to the United States and compete on both the East and West Coast. I would speak to coaches and they would tour me around campuses.
Q: As a transfer, how has the move been from Fairleigh Dickinson to Campbell?
TA: It has been a difficult adjustment despite being in college golf for 2 years. It really showed me how one's environment can really affect a person. I have been playing much more golf and studying more here as opposed to my time in New Jersey. My priorities have shifted radically.
Q: What's the biggest difference from your way of life in the US to when you are at home in the Philippines?
TA: I have to do everything for myself. At home, I have my whole support system with me. People would help me do even the smallest things; whereas here, I'm running from one place to another for class, golf, training, laundry, food, studies, appointments, etc.
Q: What is your favorite part about Campbell away from the golf course?
TA: The Student Union and the athletic trainers. I think the union is absolutely gorgeous and the trainers are so kind.
Q: What made you take interest in the Campbell Golf program in your transfer process?
TA: The Coaches. Lyndsey (Hunnell) and Coach (John) Crooks were and still are so nice and supportive. They flew me in for a visit and I got to see what the team did for training and practice. I met Coach Crooks very briefly and he was lovely. Campbell also has its own golf course, so that was sweet.
Q: How did you first get into golf?
TA: I used to be an international figure skater and gymnast. I competed around Asia for gymnastics and was invited to Nevada for skating, but my scoliosis got very bad when I was 8. I then competed in badminton but then quit when my dad told me to try golf at 12. We knew it held great opportunities and it would be less strenuous on my back.
Q: What do other hobbies include when you're not playing golf?
TA: I'm really into art. Not a lot of people know this because I rarely do it. I only make charcoal and abstract drawings and paintings when I feel like it. I actually have a highlight in instagram for it.
Q: Where do you think you would be today if you didn't pursue this career path?
TA: I believe I would be studying in the Philippines, living in my comfortable bubble. Without golf, I wouldn't meet the amazing people I have met around the world. I learn from the people I meet and what golf teaches me every day. I'd be less knowledgeable about things, which I suppose wouldn't help my other dream—to go to law school.
Q: If you could bring anything from the Philippines to the US or Campbell what would it be?
TA: My friends! I wish they lived here with me!
Q: Do you have professional aspirations?
TA: Yes, I do. In the beginning, I was very doubtful because I had a stereotype of what a successful athlete looked like. However, I've seen my friends make it to the LPGA. There's no reason why I can't do the same unless I don't work hard.
Favorite course played? Torrey Pines, San Diego.
Hardest course played? Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club, Philippines. One has never seen tighter fairways and weirder grass than this one.
Dream foursome? Nelly Korda, Tiger Woods, and my all-time crush, Viktor Hovland.
Best club in your bag? Driver. This thing never really misses, I have no idea why.
Favourite on course snack? Fruits. I hate (energy) bars - even if you see me eat (them) sometimes.
Favorite dessert? Thai Mango Sticky Rice!
Favorite athlete? Tiger Woods/Nelly Korda
Favorite country (other than your own)? United States
Morning or night? Night
