Satarak has the right idea

Steve Virgen

Not too long ago, Walailak Satarak watched with sympathy as her

mother worked 10-hour days, the means of survival for the Satarak

family from Thailand. At times, Supalak Satarak would leave for work

at 9 a.m. and return at 10 p.m., working through the breakfast, lunch

and dinner rush at a busy restaurant. But, at age 52, Supalak had to

quit because her health began to deteriorate.

Now, it’s time for Walailak (pronounced Wuh-lay-lack) to go to

work.

Former UC Irvine standout Walailak Satarak, the Big West

Conference Player of the Year who led the Anteaters to the Big West

championship in their first season, has left UCI to turn pro. She did

so for two reasons. She wants to provide financial help for her

family, particularly, Supalak. Also, she wants to help bring her

grandmother, Somlee, and her brother, Jarn, to the U.S.A., as both

are in Thailand.

“That’s my motivation and I feel no pressure,” Walailak said in a

phone interview Tuesday. “I’m so comfortable out here. I have nothing

to worry about.”

Today, Walailak is in Venice, Fla., where she is at LPGA

qualifying school. She shot 71, Wednesday, and another 71 Thursday

(overall, 2-under par). She’s tied for fourth with Suzanne Petersen.

Walailak is hoping to earn a spot to compete in the Final Qualifying

Tournament, Oct. 8-11, in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Danielle Amiee, of Newport Beach, shot 78 Thursday, 76 Wednesday

and was cut from the Q-School, which has 75 remaining competitors.

Walailak, who was born in Thailand and lived there for 14 years,

is aware of the odds of earning an LPGA card. But, she remains

motivated. She is focused to qualify for the Final Qualifying

Tournament.

I’m not nervous,” Walailak said. “My friend (Heidi Chua) is going

to caddy for me. I’m really comfortable.”

Walailak was named the National Golf Coaches Association Division

I Softspikes Freshman of the Year as well as an honorable mention

All-American.

Walailak, who reached the quarterfinals of the USGA Women’s

Amateur Championship, has been keeping in mind the valuable training

she received from UCI Coach Kelly Crawford, Walailak said. Walailak

said the memory of being part of UCI’s first women’s golf team will

always be with her.

* The UC Irvine women’s cross country team, which returns all nine

runners from last year’s conference meet, has been selected first in

the Big West Conference coaches preseason poll. The Anteaters

received one more first-place than last year’s Big West champion Cal

Poly San Luis Obispo. UCI finished second, but the Anteaters, with

their returners, are battle tested.

Coach Vince O’Boyle’s Anteaters are led by junior Julie Manson and

senior Tessa Cendejas, who placed seventh and eighth, respectively,

in the conference championship last October.

The UC Irvine women’s soccer team, which opens its season Saturday

at the Cal State Fullerton Classic, was picked fourth in the Big West

preseason coaches’ poll. Cal State Fullerton received all but one

vote for the top spot, providing more truth to UCI Coach Marine

Cano’s prediction that the real battle for the Big West is for second

place. The Titans have too much talent.