Gabby DeGasperis, an 18-year-old golfer, has made the unconventional decision to turn down several college golf scholarships in favour of pursuing a career in social media. Aiming to share her passion for the sport, DeGasperis is dedicated to creating engaging content that she hopes will inspire younger generations of golfers.
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Since the age of two, Gabby has had golf at the heart of her life, spurred on by her parents who introduced her to the game early on. As she grew up, weekends became a whirlwind of tournaments and practice sessions, shaping her into a skilled player. However, it was her father’s inventive approach to practice that instilled a love for the game in Gabby. He would set up challenges at the driving range, including stacking quarters and rewarding her for hitting consecutive good shots. Reflecting on those moments, she fondly remembers leaving with a pocketful of change and a newfound passion for golf.
Gabby’s journey into social media began at 14, inspired by the success of other content creators. After a friend suggested she film herself while playing, she posted one video that unexpectedly went viral, garnering millions of views and leading to a rapid increase in her followers. This newfound fame prompted Gabby to transition to online schooling mid-way through her high school years, allowing her to focus more on content creation while still competing in junior golf tournaments.
As college recruiting began, DeGasperis faced a pivotal choice between her social media ambitions and the traditional path of collegiate athletics. Many universities expressed interest in her golf talent but advised her to leave her social media presence behind, which she found surprising. “They were like, ‘We love what you’re doing, but don’t bring the social media to our school. We want you for your golf,’” she recalls. It was a stark contrast to her expectations that schools would welcome the visibility her online presence could bring.
Despite considering an offer from one of the nation’s leading Division I programs, which encouraged her to maintain both her golfing and social media careers, DeGasperis feared that managing her growing platform alongside the commitments of college golf would be overwhelming. Ultimately, she decided to trust her instincts and embrace a full-time career in social media, a choice that involves spending upwards of ten hours a day on content creation, video editing, and brand partnerships.
Gabby has found a unique approach to her content, insisting that authenticity plays a key role in her success. “I find if you schedule it out, the level of authenticity is just not there as much,” she explains. The majority of her content captures her daily experiences, showcasing her love for golf and her interactions with the community. While she may practise less than she did during her time on the junior circuit, golf remains the foundation of everything she creates.
Her engaging videos have also opened doors for collaboration with high-profile personalities, including NBA superstar Stephen Curry. While working with seasoned athletes is commonplace for her now, DeGasperis places great value on her interactions with young fans. Many parents have expressed gratitude, sharing how their children have been inspired to take up golf after watching her videos. “It makes me almost tear up because it’s exactly like me and my dad,” she says while recalling her own experience of bonding with her father over the sport.
Looking to the future, Gabby aspires to help increase participation in golf among young girls. “I want to bring more girls to the sport and blow it up the best I can,” she declares, underscoring her commitment to promoting golf as an inclusive pursuit. Though she’s often asked about her plans for the coming years, DeGasperis prefers to focus on short-term goals rather than long-term visions.
“I always do this six-month trial with everything,” she shares, highlighting her preference to maintain a manageable approach to her career. Whether it leads her to new avenues within the world of golf or beyond, including potential avenues like podcasting, she remains steadfast in her desire to enjoy her work. For Gabby DeGasperis, the ultimate goal is to relish every moment of her journey while contributing to the growth of golf for future generations.