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Forward to the Fall: Julianne Canda

From the time she picked up a golf club at six years old, golf has always been more than a sport for business major and student-athlete, Julianne Canda. It has been a way to connect with people, experience God’s creation and grow as a person. Canda is eager to begin her senior year this fall and can’t wait to get back to campus to continue that growth within the �ֲ���ý community.

Inspired by a family of golfers including her grandfather, father and brother, Canda quickly fell in love with the game. While many people think of golf as an individual sport, she sees it differently. “Golf creates opportunities for connection,” she said. “You spend hours walking and talking with people. For me, it’s a chance to build relationships and share God’s love through the way I interact with others.”

Her relational mindset reflects her naturally social personality. Whether she is competing in tournaments, leading students in The Block student apartments, or working internships in the sports industry, Canda thrives in environments where people can come together and build community. 

Community is one of the reasons she landed at �ֲ���ý. “I felt such a strong sense of community when I visited campus for the first time,” she said. “Everyone was so welcoming. I immediately knew �ֲ���ý was a place where I would grow spiritually and personally.”

Scholarships also played an important role in making her college education possible. She remains deeply thankful for the donors who invest in students like her and help create opportunities for future leaders. “As a student-athlete, scholarships have been such a blessing and I’m really grateful for the people who give so students can pursue their education and calling.”

While balancing the demands of athletics and academics can be challenging, Canda has nearly perfected her time management skills. A business major with a desire to work in sports hospitality, she intentionally pursued hand-on experiences in the industry. Last summer she interned at the Women’s Open in Wisconsin, gaining valuable experience in events and operations. This summer she wrapped up an internship with the Sacramento RiverCats and Oakland Athletics helping with promotions, events and ticket sales. She stayed local for one short week then flew to Minnesota to begin another internship with the PGA Connection in Jacksonville, Florida.

Beyond athletics and internships she creates time for leadership opportunities on campus serving as a resident assistant in The Block student apartments. In her wing she plans to focus on creating opportunities for connections and helping students feel seen and included. “I want girls to feel like they belong,” she said. “Community starts when students are willing to open up and welcome others.”

As she looks forward to the start of her senior year in college, she hopes incoming students do exactly that. “Be open to community,” she says. “The first step is being willing to say yes to new opportunities and relationships. That’s where growth really begins.” As Canda prepares for another busy season of classes, competition and leadership, one thing is clear. She is not only building an impressive resume, she’s also building a life rooted in faith, community and meaningful impact.