The Loop

CI Podcast/Tennessee's Erica Popson

January 13, 2012
/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/2015/07/20/55ad744fadd713143b4258fc_golf-tours-news-blogs-college-golf-assets_c-2012-01-Erica%20Popson%20action-thumb-125x208-54082.jpeg

Erica Popson might have been the best part-time college golfer in the country last fall. The Tennessee junior All-American finished second at the Cougar Classic and T-8 at the Tar Heel Invitational. Yet in the Lady Vols other two starts, the Mason Rudolph Fall Preview and the SEC/Pac-12 Challenge, she had to withdraw both times due to a nagging ligament injury to her left thumb that ultimately required surgery last November.

In this week's podcast, Popson talks about her recovery—which Tennessee fans can rest easy knowing is going well—as well as her breakout sophomore season of 2010-11, where she won three individual titles, including the SEC championship. She also discusses why she's anxiously waiting by the phone this month, and how a renewed mental approach has led to her college success.