CORAL SPRINGS, Florida– Mirabel Ting, Freshman at Augusta University has received the 2023 Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) Division I Kim Moore Spirit Award.
 
This award is dedicated to Kim Moore, who played golf for the University of Indianapolis (1999-2003).  Kim was an inspiration to all as she persevered through many physical challenges while playing collegiate golf.  Her positive outlook and dedication toward the game was only out done by her sense of humor and passion for the game.
 
The purpose of the award is to recognize and honor a student-athlete or coach who exemplifies a great spirit toward the game of golf, a positive attitude on and off the golf course, a role model for her team and mental toughness in facing challenges.
 
Mirabel was a 16-year-old freshman from Miri, Malaysia when she arrived in Augusta, her first ever visit to the United States. She struggled to adapt to college academics due to her age, but mainly struggled because her father had been diagnosed with a heart issue over the summer. He went through a successful surgery in September, and his prognosis was good however a couple weeks later, on the way to her first tournament, she received a call from her brother that her father had a massive heart attack and passed away instantly. The next day, we got Mirabel on a plane to go home to Malaysia to be with her family. She was adamant that she would continue her schoolwork and be back in time for the team's final Fall event.
 
While she didn't make it back in time to play, she returned to Augusta at the beginning of November to go back to school. Immediately upon her return, it was evident that Mirabel was emotionally distraught. She was unable to focus and overwhelmed with grief. With the full support of her team and Augusta University, the decision was made to medically withdraw her and allow her to return to Malaysia around Thanksgiving.
 
Over the break, Mirabel made it clear she was returning to Augusta. She wanted to continue her academics, compete on the course, and be with her teammates - all with the goal of honoring her father. Mirabel returned focused and determined. In her first college event, now 17 years old, she shot 13 under par. She went on to win with an eagle in a playoff. Mirabel dedicated this victory to her father. She has continued to excel on the course and has become the leader of the team. She loves her teammates and expresses her gratitude for them and Augusta University constantly. Academically, Mirabel has received all A's and B's this semester and will be eligible for the WGCA All-American Scholar Team. Mirabel shot 6-under in her final round at regionals to lead her team to Augusta's first ever NCAA Finals appearance.
 
About the Women's Golf Coaches Association
The Women's Golf Coaches Association, founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization representing women's collegiate golf coaches. The WGCA was formed to encourage the playing of college golf for women in correlation with a general objective of education and in accordance with the highest tradition of intercollegiate competition. Today, the WGCA represents over 700 coaches throughout the U.S. and is dedicated to educating, promoting and recognizing both its members and the student-athletes they represent.   
 
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