Meet Your Trojans: Pernille Orlien

LITTLE ROCK – A junior on the women's golf team, Pernille Orlien is the subject of this week's Meet Your Trojans. Orlien is a native of Lorenskog, Norway, majoring in Marketing.
 
Orlien competed in three events during Little Rock's fall semester, averaging 78.67 strokes over nine rounds. She boasted a 3.61 GPA while earning a spot on the Dean's List during the fall semester.
 
What made you want to attend UA Little Rock?
 
Coach Bridgett Norwood was definitely one of the main reason I chose to come to this University. When I came visit, I really liked the girls on the team. Also, we get to play on a lot of beautiful courses all year 'round. Where I'm from we only get to play for six months.
 
Outside of golf, what are some of your favorite things to do in Little Rock?    
 
I love going to the State Parks. We went to Petit Jean to visit the water falls and we also climbed Pinnacle Mountain. I also enjoy hanging out with the other golf players at the movies, and going downtown. 
 
What is the best part of being a Trojan?
 
Definitely being a part of a team, the athletic department and meeting new people at fundraisers and tournaments. I have met a lot of great people and they're welcoming and supportive of the golf team. It's probably one of my favorite things.
 
What is something that most people don't know about you?
 
I love animals, especially dogs. Being a student and an athlete that travels, I can't get one. Last semester my roommate, Lucy, and I bought a fish and we named it Patrick. It's not as interesting as a dog because you can't pet it but I do have a cocker spaniel back home.
 
Earliest memory participating in golf?
 
I actually started playing golf pretty late. I would go to the golf range with my dad when I was younger, but I started playing at 11 years old at a practice golf camp back home with some of my friends.
 
What's the most interesting thing you learned recently?
 
I read this really interesting article on the internet and learned there are male and female bell peppers. The male versions are better for cooking and the female versions are better to eat raw. I thought it was cool and I shared it with the girls on the team.
 
What's your favorite home cooked meal?
 
I love my mom's lasagna that she cooks back home. Also, my roommate Lucy is a really great cook and she makes the best pork roast. It's amazing.
 
What's the best advice you ever received?
 
Work hard to achieve your goals and believe in yourself.
 
What are some of the community service projects the team has been involved with that you really enjoyed?
 
Working with children at the First Tee of Little Rock and getting to see their love and passion for the sport at a young age. It's very fascinating to see because I didn't start that young.
 
What does GRIT mean to you?
 
It means having dedication and working hard with integrity to achieve your goals while being honest and having respect for others.