Giorgio Gianoulis '20 Recruiting Profile

My name is Giorgio Gianoulis. I am a student at Rowland Hall, Utah's oldest college preparatory independent school. In addition to maintaining honors with a full range of advanced classes, I have been a three-sport varsity athlete participating in golf, basketball, and baseball. I began taking golf seriously and competitively in 2016 when I was the only freshman on the varsity golf team. I improved tremendously through the summer of my freshman year by playing in local junior golf tournaments throughout the state, finishing in the top 20 in the majority of them. In my sophomore year, I became the captain of the golf team. One of my achievements was shooting a career low of 70, beating last year's state champion and leading our team to a victory in the region tournament. I completed the season by finishing in eleventh place individually in the state tournament and being named as a first team all-state golf selection. I was given the "Coaches Award" as the Most Improved Player. During the summer between my sophomore and junior year, I played in various golf tournaments in the Utah PGA Junior Series. By exclusively focusing on golf, I continued to improve my game dramatically. I finished in first place in one tournament and I received invitation-only offers to both the High School Tournament of Champions and to the Whitaker Cup which is dedicated to the top golfers in the state during the summer junior series. 

However, I feel I grew the most during my freshman year when our team did not make the state championship. Not qualifying for the state tournament inspired me to continue working on my game. As a freshman, I received my first true instruction from my golf coaches who are PGA professionals.  With my perseverance through the ups-and-downs of the golf season, I have learned to deal with my shortcomings, to process new concepts, and to change my habits which have improved my game. 

My collegiate aspirations along with playing golf are to study business and pursue a career in medicine. I am extremely hardworking and dedicated to succeed in every endeavor. My grandparents on both sides were Greek immigrants who sacrificed everything they had for a better life in the United States.  From them, I have learned the importance of integrity, determination, humility, and having a solid reputation. I have maintained my Greek heritage and speak Greek fluently. I have grown up with both Greek culture and American culture. I have had the opportunity to travel extensively and my dual cultures give me a unique perspective on the privileges we enjoy as a country of hard-working immigrants. I am determined to take advantage of opportunities using those traits my family has instilled in me. 

What makes me an ideal college golf recruit is the fact that I have only reached the tip of the iceberg regarding my golfing potential. My experience in playing skill positions on various athletic teams allows me to mentally handle pressure and thrive when the game is on the line. I have the leadership ability to assimilate with members of a team so that the sum is greater than the individual parts. I have been the captain of my school golf team for the past two years. My position as captain has enabled me to create our team strategy, focus on our direction while maintaining the requisite camaraderie among our players. With my hard work, desire to learn, dedication to golf, and good coaching I am earnestly looking forward to unraveling my potential as a golfer and as a caring human being. I would love to be able to compete as a member of your golf team while pursuing a valuable college degree as I look forward to the next chapter in my life.