How Nola Built Me - By Haydyn Gibson - Tulane University Athletics

Haydyn Orleans Gibson.

My parents considered naming me this because of their incredible love for New Orleans.

Before I was born, traveling to New Orleans and attending Jazz Fest was a tradition for my parents.

For 10 years they traveled from Clearwater, Florida, to New Orleans to be another excited body in the crowd. Their love for the city was in my genes. While I was playing at the PGA Junior Championship, Tulane noticed me and offered me an opportunity to play golf at the school.

I considered it fate.

After visiting Tulane and having the trip of a lifetime, in November of 2015 I formally committed to Tulane.

On December 15th, 2015, my dad was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.

He was given two years to live. How was it possible to have the worst day of my life so soon after having the best day? Eight months later, I made the move to New Orleans and learned how to balance the new atmosphere with athletics and what was happening at home.

My world was flipped upside down and I often asked myself if I should decommit and move home.

My dad however taught me to never quit and so I continued, representing Tulane athletics as best as I could.

My Tulane family supported me through all the ups and downs associated with the devastating effects of cancer.

My first two years at Tulane have taught me an abundance of things. I've learned to squat my body weight, to speak in front of a classroom full of strangers, and to make connections that will last a lifetime.

I've learned to feel powerful. Unstoppable even.

My Tulane family held me close and raised me up when my father passed away in February 2018. As I continue into my junior year, I have no plans of slowing down.

This upcoming year, I will be the student-athlete advisory committee president and hope to improve the lives of Tulane's student-athletes. I plan to play better in golf tournaments, raise my GPA., and get stronger mentally and physically.

I often describe New Orleans as a hundred cities in one.

I've grown to love it as much as my parents did and am proud to call Tulane home.

I know my dad's spirit is with me too - whether I'm walking through campus, practicing at the golf course across the street, or exploring downtown.

New Orleans is forever in my genes.

I will always carry my dad's strength and the lessons I have learned at Tulane.

I am POWERFUL. I AM NOLA BUILT.

Tulane University Athletics

How Nola Built Me - By Haydyn Gibson

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