DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle Department of Athletics mourns the passing of women's golf student-athlete Abbey Trinca, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday.
 
"There are not enough words to capture this profound loss and heartbreak," ERAU Head Women's Golf Coach Maria Lopez said. "Abbey was very passionate about her family, her homeland of Australia, her friends and EXTREMELY proud to be an Embry-Riddle Eagle. At age 17, she came across the world from Australia to pursue her dream of academics and golf. She worked three jobs and competed as a collegiate athlete, all while being a Dean's List student in pursuit of her dream. She loved her team and friends deeply. Abbey was so proud of them. She was sweet and a kind spirit that will be missed and treasured."
 
Trinca, 21, joined the Embry-Riddle women's golf program in 2013 after graduating from the Maribrynong Sports Academy in Melbourne, Australia. She was a four-year letterwinner at ERAU, shooting a career-low 78 at the World Golf Classic in 2015. Prior to coming to Embry-Riddle, Trinca won the Victorian School Sports Award for golf in 2012.
 
Trinca also kept busy away from the course. She was a conference assistant for Embry-Riddle Residence Life, and was a part of ERAU Athletics' game operations/facilities and weight room staff.
 
"The Embry-Riddle Athletics family was devastated to learn of Abbey's passing," ERAU Director of Athletics John Phillips said. "Abbey was an outstanding student in our Human Factors program and a great representative of our University on the golf course and in the community. It's heartbreaking to see a young life cut short. We will provide support and comfort for her teammates, friends and coaches as they go through the grieving process."
 
Members of the Embry-Riddle community are invited to attend a vigil in Abbey's memory tonight (Feb. 28) at 9 p.m. by the Spirit Rock.