Ian Gilligan wasn’t sure if he would survive, let alone pick up a golf club again.
Gilligan, now a sophomore at Long Beach State is fighting for his life. He was 15 when he was diagnosed with rare lymphoma. This led to him spending months in hospital.
After a week of chemotherapy, he would return home for two weeks. Gilligan persevered through the seven-month process.
Gilligan was awarded the CalHOPE Courage award for November. This monthly award recognizes student-athletes from California colleges and universities who have overcome stress, anxiety, and mental trauma resulting from personal hardships or adversity. The College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) and The Associated Press present the award.
Gilligan stated, “It’s an honour to be nominated” for the award. “I believe everything the award stands for is something I strive to achieve.”
Long Beach State’s Ian Gilligan won two games this fall. (Photo: LBSU Athletics)
While Gilligan was undergoing chemotherapy, golf remained a refuge. His immune system was so compromised that he couldn’t do many things, such as go to the movies, in crowds. He could still play golf.
When he was playing, he felt pain in his shoulder. It eventually spread to Gilligan’s armpit. To be able practice, he was forced to take Advil. They were finally diagnosed.
Gilligan’s first week at home after treatment was a rough one. He was so tired that he couldn’t even play golf. Instead, he tried to recover at home. He would return to the course in the second week.
Gilligan stated that golfing was definitely a getaway. “Those experiences made me more grateful and allowed me to grow as a person.”
Gilligan was already being recruited prior to his diagnosis. His dreams of playing collegiately and beyond would not be hindered by his illness.
After receiving an email from Long Beach State, he was asked to visit campus. He spoke with his parents and agreed.
He was sold by the visit. The campus was near the practice facilities. The weather was pleasant all year. It was also near George Gankas, his coach.
This decision was a success.
Gilligan, a freshman in the Big West, was named Big West Freshman Of The Year last year. He also made the All-Big West First Team. Gilligan had three top-10 finishes and five top-25 performances. Gilligan’s best result was second at the Big West Championships.
He has been dominant this fall. Gilligan won the Nick Watney Invitational twice and the Mackenzie Invitational once. He also finished strongly at the Cal Poly Invitational. Going into the spring, he’s 21st on the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings.
He was driven and determined to overcome cancer and became one of the top college golfers in America. He won the CalHOPE Courage award, so it’s not surprising that he continues to be successful.
Gilligan stated, “I’m just grateful to even be allowed to play.”
