Walnut, Calif. -- The Mt. SAC Women's Golf Team achieved an extraordinary milestone this season, capturing the 3C2A State Championship for the first time in 19 years. For the six talented athletes and their coaches, this victory marked the culmination of hard work, redemption, and camaraderie, creating a season to remember. We caught up with the team to reflect on their remarkable season and talk about what lies ahead for them.
Sophomore and team captain Natalie Neal, who finished third individually in the Orange Empire Conference with an impressive average of 75.1 over eight rounds, described the championship win as bittersweet. "I'm very happy that we won, but I haven't fully processed it yet," Neal shared. "It feels like we're going to play again next year, but there is no next year. The whole experience feels surreal." Looking ahead, Neal hopes to transfer to Chapman University to pursue a degree in film while possibly continuing her golf career.
Sophomore and team captain Alana Lo prioritized her health this season after battling injuries last year, working closely with the Mt. SAC Athletic Training Staff to stay in top form. Her dedication paid off, as she became a key contributor to the team's success. Reflecting on the season, Lo shared, "Being around everyone on the team during long rides to tournaments and getting to know each other well was really special. I learned a lot this season." Lo plans to transfer to UCLA to pursue a degree in psychobiology.
Sophomore and team captain Kylie Lau, who was second overall in the Orange Empire Conference with an impressive average of 73.1 over eight rounds, was relieved after winning the state championship. "Last year we finished second, which was great, but I really wanted to get that first place," Lau said. "It felt like unfinished business to me, so this was our redemption year. I also had better scores this season, which was really memorable for me." Lau is aiming to transfer to UCLA to major in biochemistry.
Freshman Kaitlyn Wang delivered a pivotal performance during round one of the State Championship, shooting a 75 on a cold and windy day to keep the team in contention for the title. "I wasn't aware the team was counting on me, but something in me wanted to play well that day," Wang admitted. As the only returning member for the 2025 season, Wang has been named team captain by Coach Guevara. Though she knows it will be tough to replicate this year's magic, she's ready for the challenge and excited to lead the next generation of Mounties.
Sophia Miller, who joined the team this season as a transfer from Fullerton College, reflected on her decision to move to a championship-caliber program. "It was exciting to join a team with such a solid foundation, and I just hoped to contribute to it. I'm so happy with the outcome and can't imagine having a better season with anyone else." Miller plans to continue her golf career while majoring in Administration of Justice.
After a difficult experience with her previous team in Nebraska, Julissa Garcia found a supportive and welcoming environment at Mt. SAC. "These girls are so nice, and being part of this team was the best thing ever," she said. Garcia has decided to close the chapter on competitive golf, shifting her focus to academics. She plans to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona, where she will major in Animal Science and pursue a career as a veterinarian.
And finally, Coach Guevara expressed pride and gratitude for his team's accomplishments. "The last two years have been fantastic, and it's hard to imagine a future where I won't get to coach these ladies anymore," Guevara said. "This season was everything we could have hoped for. It wasn't easy, but the end result was everything we had worked toward. It was very rewarding." With Wang set to lead next year, Guevara is optimistic about the team's future and hopes to build on this year's success.
In a full-circle moment, the last time the Mt. SAC Women's Golf Team claimed the State Championship was in 2005—the same year many of the current team members were born. Today, they leave behind a legacy of determination, excellence, and teamwork that will inspire future Mt. SAC athletes for years to come. We are incredibly proud of each of you and wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Once a Mountie, always a Mountie!
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.