Cougar Scholars is a monthly series highlighting Chicago State student-athletes through the lens of their studies and professional pursuits. This month features women's golfer Koranis Boonmadee.
Read more from our previous scholar-athletes here:
- February 2022:Â Favour Chukwukelu, Men's Basketball
- January 2022: Aaliyah Collins, Women's Basketball
- December 2021:Â Justin Johnson, Men's Track & Field, Cross Country
- November 2021:Â Barbara Castellanos, Women's Soccer
- October 2021:Â Andrea Calderon, Volleyball
- September 2021:Â Shaquan Reid, Men's Soccer
- August 2021:Â Susie Andres, Women's Tennis
- July 2021:Â Kevin Bullington, Men's Golf
- June 2021:Â Dominick George, Men's Soccer
- May 2021:Â Carmen Acedo, Women's Soccer
- April 2021:Â Josh Stig, Men's Golf
- March 2021:Â Leilani Moncrease, Women's Basketball
When it came time to choose a college route, Bankok-born Koranis Boonmadee took a leap of faith.
She traveled nearly 9,000 miles — a world away — to St. Louis, where she enrolled at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
"I had always wanted to study abroad and also play NCAA golf," Boonmadee said. "It was an amazing opportunity to study while also playing golf. But it was hard for me, because it was my first time without my parents. So the first few days were really hard for me."
Boonmadee adjusted and grew. Three years later, she's transferred to Chicago State and grown more independent.
"I really like living alone now," Boonmadee said. "It took me a while to adjust, but I've enjoyed my time in the U.S. I'm glad I'm here. In Thailand, I wouldn't have the opportunity to study and play golf at the same time."
Boonmadee, has since thrived. After a short time in Chicago, she's Chicago State's Cougar Scholar for March.
A junior and business management major, she hopes to set herself up for a future working on the business side in sports.
"After I graduate, I want to be able to find a job here," Boonmadee said. "I don't know my biggest goal, but the first thing I want to accomplish is getting employed in the U.S."
Coming to Chicago State to play for head coach Angela Rayhill, Boonmadee was able to step up from Division II to Division I golf, and she's blossomed under Rayhill's tutelage.
"Chicago State has offered me the chance to study and experience Division I golf, Boonmadee said. "CSU has proven to me that there are great opportunities for me. I enjoy the tournaments with my team, and there's so much I can do here. My coach is really understanding and tries her best to help me. She keeps me going."
Boonmadee led the Cougars in scoring in two fall events, the Briar Ridge Invitational and the Briar Ridge Invitational. She's relished the camaraderie and travel that come with college golf, which have fulfilled her after her junior career in Thailand that included a Thailand Kids Golf Championship.
"My coach and team are both really supportive," Boonmadee said. "I really enjoy traveling and being in tournaments with them."
After earning Cougar Scholar recognition, Boonmadee is laser-focus on maintaining her standard.
"I'm really honored," Boonmadee said. "I'm now going to work really hard to keep this up."
