The Next Big Thing: Sarah Sun
For Sarah Sun, golf has never been just an after-school activity. It has been a discipline, a challenge, and a path toward something bigger. Since joining Shanghai American School in seventh grade, Sarah has balanced demanding academics with the year-round commitment of a high-level athlete, growing into one of the school’s standout golfers and a leader within the program. Next year, that journey will continue at Carnegie Mellon University, where she will compete at the collegiate level while pursuing her academic interests in political science, security, and technology.
Why did Carnegie Mellon feel like the right fit?
Carnegie Mellon stood out to me both academically and athletically. I was really drawn to their political science, security, and technology major because it brought together interests, I did not always see reflected in one program. On the golf side, the team is extremely competitive, and I felt that it was a place where I could keep growing. When I visited, it just felt right.
When did golf become more than just a game for you?
Golf started to feel like it could shape my future when I began playing more tournaments and taking them seriously. Once I started competing more regularly, gaining confidence, and learning how to balance school with training, I realized college golf could become a real possibility for me.
Why was SAS Pudong such a good fit for your golf journey?
One of the biggest reasons was the proximity to the golf course. Being able to walk from school to practice made a huge difference for me and my family. It helped me stay consistent with my training while still having enough time for homework, rest, and everything else that comes with being a student-athlete.
Tell us about your efforts to help build and strengthen the golf community at SAS.
When I first joined the golf team, I felt a strong sense of camaraderie, even as one of the younger players. Over the years, the community has only grown stronger. As captain, I have loved seeing how much closer the team has become, not just during practices and tournaments, but in everyday school life too.
How did SAS support you through the college recruiting process?
My teachers and counselors were incredibly supportive from the beginning. I started the recruiting process fairly early, and that meant a lot of communication, travel, and planning. Having a school community that understood what was required and helped me manage both the academic and athletic sides of the process made a big difference.
Congratulations, Sarah! We’re looking forward to following your golf journey at Carnegie Mellon!
