Competing since childhood, Citrus College student wins two golf tournaments
For as long as she can remember, Isabelle Olivas-Lowell has been a golfer.
After learning how to play at 2 years old, Isabelle started golfing consistently at 5 years old. Two years later, she began playing in competitive tournaments.
"My grandpa had played for most of his life," she said. "He taught my dad and, when I was born, they taught me. Since I've played for so long, it's always been a part of my life."
Fast forward a decade and Isabelle is playing on the Citrus College women's golf team and excelling on the links. Most recently, Isabelle won the California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) Individual Women's Golf State Championship and the Individual Western State Conference Championship.
"It felt nice to have my teammates there to cheer me on, and that is something I won't ever forget," Isabelle said of her Western State Conference Championship victory. "I kept to myself prior to being at Citrus College and sharing that moment with the whole team was something I haven't felt before. I have never experienced that type of love and accomplishment from anyone except my family."
When considering which college to attend, Isabelle said one of main reasons she chose Citrus College was because of its golf team and driving range. Since making the team, she said she has enjoyed the experience of making lifelong friends.
"I'm part of a great group of girls who have fun and are always trying to improve," Isabelle said. "Even compared to the teams in our conference, our bond and the fun we have with each other have been noticed by other coaches. We know how to joke around while still being able to focus on getting better."
On the green, Isabelle said her play has improved and that she is looking forward to the offseason where she can develop even more. To prepare for the Western State Conference Championship, which was held at Rio Bravo Country Club in Bakersfield, Isabelle practiced every day leading up to the tournament.
"I am thankful for that win and I am going to continue to improve myself and achieve more of my goal," she said.
Soon after, she competed in the 3C2A State Championship at Hunter Ranch Golf Course in Paso Robles and won, marking the first time an Owl has taken home the top prize.
Looking ahead, Isabelle's dream is to attend a Division I college or university where she can study business administration with a focus in business management and pursue a professional golf career.
"There are a lot of scholarship opportunities that are out there at different schools," she said. "No matter how golf goes, I want to have a degree."
This article originally appeared in the December 2023 edition of the Citrus View.