#UHGrad Series: Abelar’s Journey Finds Home, Strength in Houston

In conjunction with the University of Houston's May commencement ceremonies, UH Athletics is celebrating its standout graduates who have shined in the classroom and in the arena of competition with our #UHGrad Series.

HOUSTON – When Nicole Abelar was four years old, her parents would take her to a local retail toy store. What was a play to keep the Manila, Philippines, native occupied, jump-started a life-long passion.

"Neither of my parents were athletes, and neither of them knew about golf," Abelar said. "It started with a golf toy stick from Walmart or Target, the plastic toys you give to babies. I asked my parents to buy me one, and I fell in love with the sport."

One year later, Abelar's father purchased her a pitching wedge. She became so good that at age 7, three years after picking up a plastic club for the first time, she participated in and won her first international competition at the 2009 FCG San Diego Junior Masters.

After a standout prep career at St. Paul College Pasig, and the ravaging of the COVID-19 pandemic globally, Abelar took a gap year, remaining at home at the recommendation of her family. It did not slow her desire to play collegiate golf.

"I had a sit-down talk with [my parents] and told them I needed to do this," Abelar said. "If I wanted to become the best version of myself or figure out myself, I needed to do this. There were a lot of people who criticized me when I took a gap year. They said I wasn't good enough for college, and universities won't recruit me. I heard a lot of comments back home in the Golf industry, 'she's not getting recruited… that's why she's taking a gap year.'"

With her sights set on fulfilling a dream and proving others wrong, Abelar enrolled at Coastal Carolina and joined the Women's Golf program as a walk-on. Abelar was not a typical walk-on, setting an assortment of program records while finishing second at the Sun Belt Conference Championships en route to being named the 2020-21 league Freshman of the Year.

Establishing herself as the Chanticleers' top player, Abelar was once again thriving on the golf course, but something was missing. Conway, South Carolina, was far from the vibrant upbringings of Manila, home to 1.78 million residents and the capital of the Philippines. She needed to test herself. Abelar entered the transfer portal.

"I was looking for a school that would help me bring my Golf game to the next level. My previous school was a nice location, but I didn't feel at home," Abelar said. "I grew up in a big city in the Philippines, so I was looking for that big-city component. When I entered the transfer portal, I was No. 1 on the team, and my biggest fear was that I wouldn't be the No. 1 player anymore. My mom reminded me that 'fear is just a false expectation of your reality,' and if I kept having that fear I wouldn't be able to see what I could be."

Abelar had her options during the transfer process, including destinations which would have cemented hers as the program's top player during Year 1. Instead, she chose the route that would test her abilities and challenge her athletically and academically.

"I knew that Houston was going to be a competitive school, and it wasn't going to be easy coming in," Abelar said. "I chose the school where I was unsure if I was going to be their star player, but I took that risk because I would rather work hard than it be given to me."

During her 2021-22 sophomore season, and debut with the Cougars, she got the challenge she asked for.

"The first semester at Houston, I didn't even make the team," Abelar said. "I was their only recruit that year. I was the transfer going against players who had been at UH so it was hard for me. I struggled, but I promised myself I would never not make the lineup."

With the support of her mother, who encouraged her to be both strong and patient, Abelar went to work.

"I would get so paranoid, if my teammates were on the course, and I was at home; I wouldn't sleep," Abelar said. "I would go to the course and practice harder."

By the end of her junior season, Abelar had risen the ranks within the squad, finishing third on the team in scoring average (73.03) backed by 11 rounds of par or better. This season, she remains a key cog in Houston's run to its second consecutive NCAA Regional, which gets underway Monday at Auburn University Club, posting a 72.68 scoring average highlighted by a runner-up finish at the Sam Golden Invitational – one of two Top-15 finishers.

Abelar is set to receive her Bachelor of Science in Political Science this month with the degree serving as another tool for her ultimate goal of bettering her home country.

"After traveling and the exposure that came from traveling, I decided on Political Science with a minor in Human Development Consumer Science," Abelar said on choosing a degree plan. "I want to help the economic development of the Philippines. Back home there is a lot of political injustice, and I want to help Filipinos with economic development and the different opportunities my country can give the world."

For now, Abelar's focus remains on helping Houston make history in the NCAA postseason before testing the waters of professional golf. She credits the University of Houston and City of Houston for giving her the worldview and resources to succeed.

"[Houston] is very diverse so I'm able to learn about different cultures, different people, and also how to be strong and independent," Abelar said. "If you aren't strong enough, I don't think you can survive Houston. I love it. It is my home. Every time I go back to the Philippines for the winter or summer break, I feel like I am in a different place. I found comfortability in Houston. I am glad I am here and graduating here."

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