Ari Kaser’s path to becoming a PennWest California golfer and a two-time PSAC Athlete of the Week was a series of unexpected turns. A gymnast for most of her life, she picked up golf after a shoulder injury at age 14, seeking a new sport. With a golf coach for a father and a family full of golfers, she had grown up surrounded by the game. Her gymnastics background gave her a unique advantage: the ability to "hit the ball really far, especially for a girl."

The idea of playing college golf initially terrified her, and she was "very adamant" that she wouldn't do it. But a nudge from a female role model who played Division I golf inspired her to put out feelers. She found PennWest California "by total accident" and immediately "fell in love with the coaches and with the campus. It was small. It was exactly what I needed."

As an out-of-state student, Ari's athletic team became her family. This sense of community was especially important when she faced another challenge: a second shoulder surgery at the beginning of her sophomore year. Though she missed a season, she came back stronger, earning a spot as a 2025 All-PSAC Second Team honoree and a recipient of both the 2025 CSC Academic All-District Honors and the D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award in both 2024 and 2025. She has learned the importance of resiliency and overcoming setbacks, a key lesson for any athlete.

Ari is also a molecular biology major, a demanding field that requires intense focus. She credits her success to her parents, who were both teachers and taught her how to study effectively. Her coaches, too, are a key support system, pushing academics first and providing flexibility with practices so she can succeed in the classroom. "I've been very fortunate in their flexibility so that I can succeed Academically on top of, on the course," she shares.

Her advice to incoming students is practical and emphasizes building connections. She recommends making rapport with professors and peers in class, as this support system is crucial when balancing academics and athletics. She also encourages students to get out of their comfort zone. “Don’t be afraid to say yes,” she says. “Things are going to be uncomfortable... go out and do things." Ari Kaser’s journey shows how a purposeful education at PennWest provides the support and opportunities for students to excel academically, athletically, and personally, even when the path is not what they originally expected.