University of Nevada junior golfer Victoria Gailey hopped on a plane with her team for the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational in Hawai'i in March, not realizing her season would end a few days later due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The Wolf Pack had just concluded its tournament in Hawai'i when news broke about the season's cancelation. What was supposed to be a breakthrough year for Gailey and Nevada quickly turned into a nightmare.
 
"I was in shock," said Gailey. "It was a huge letdown because we worked so hard and couldn't finish out our season. We had high hopes for the Mountain West Championship."
 
Still in disbelief, Gailey returned back home to Tigard, Ore., for the remainder of the spring semester and summer. The disappointing ending to her season and excess free time inspired Gailey to dedicate the spring and summer to her game. It also allowed her to renew her love for volunteering at a nearby Oregon Food Bank.
 
"I wanted to take charge of this summer and be productive," said Gailey.
 
She immediately immersed herself into a busy schedule to ensure she made the most of each day. Gailey practiced early every morning before volunteering later in the day. Afterwards, Gailey often played another 36-holes into the evening until she could no longer see the course.
 
A balanced day between practicing and volunteering proved to be fulfilling. Gailey started volunteering with the Oregon Food Bank in high school. Her love for volunteering with the food bank never wavered despite moving to Reno.
 
"I've always loved volunteering and being a part of my community," said Gailey. "It has really put into perspective how big of a deal hunger is. Not everybody is as fortunate as I am."
 
When Gailey wasn't volunteering, you could find her on a nearby golf course - one of her favorite places to be since she began golfing at five years old. Her talent and love for the game became evident at a young age, but for anybody who knows Gailey, her success on the links is no surprise. Gailey's father, John, is a teaching professional, who helped her learn the game from a young age. Her aunt, Linda Gill, played golf at Oregon State.
 
Despite trying other sports and activities growing up, Gailey naturally gravitated towards golf.
 
"It's my passion, and I couldn't imagine my life without it," said Gailey. "I love working hard and chasing after something. You never reach an end point because you're constantly trying to improve."
 
Gailey had her heart set on playing collegiately, and she was willing to do whatever it took to get there.

"I did dance and other activities in middle school, but once I got to high school I was ready to pursue golf even further," said Gailey. "I was ready to bury down and have golf be my main focus."
 
Gailey left her mark at Tigard High School. She tallied three first team all-conference honors and was a three-time first team all-state selection, dominating throughout her four years. Her passion for the game and constant drive finally broke through when she caught the eye of Nevada head coach Kathleen Takaishi during a junior golf tournament. A few weeks later, she stepped onto Nevada's campus for the first time during a recruiting visit and hasn't looked back since.
 
"Once I stepped foot onto campus, I knew this is where I belonged," said Gailey. "I definitely had that special feeling, so I committed on the spot."

Gailey's presence was felt right away as a freshman. She set the single season program record by recording a 73.47 scoring average and played in all 10 events. She also notched a season-low round of 68 at the Battle at the Rock, finishing in the top five. She concluded her freshman campaign with a fifth place finish at the Mountain West Championship and was also named second team All-Mountain West.
 
Gailey was poised for another breakthrough college season until it all came to a halt on March 12. Once she returned to Oregon, she was ready to prove a point over the summer playing in amateur golf tournaments. Gailey claimed the 23rd Oregon Public Links title on July 12. She shot 1-under par in the opening round followed by a 5-under par 66 to clinch the victory.
 
"I was shaking," said Gailey. "I was so happy. I knew I was going to have my amateur breakthrough eventually."
 
Besides tabbing her first amateur victory, Gailey also recorded a second place finish at the Oregon Women's Stroke Play Championship and made the Oregon Amateur Championship quarterfinals. Gailey was back on the course in mid-August, but this time caddying for Nevada men's golf senior Sam Harned at the U.S. Amateur in Bandon, Ore.
 
"It's always fun to see what it's like at these big events," said Gailey. "It's so fun to wear a caddy bib for a change, but it's also really stressful. I'd say it's even more stressful than playing."
 
Harned advanced through two stroke play rounds and to the round of 32 in match play. Gailey has always wanted to witness big events like the U.S. Amateur, which proved to be an exciting experience for both Gailey and Harned.
 
By focusing on her game, volunteering, spending time with family and caddying in a major tournament, Victoria Gailey used her summer to improve every stroke of her life.