Qualifying for the NCAA Regional golf tournament is becoming somewhat of a routine for Gophers junior golfer Isabella McCauley, marking her third consecutive appearance this season.

McCauley’s journey to the NCAA Regional golf tournament has been impressive. Beginning as a freshman, McCauley qualified for the tournament and finished 6th overall with scores of 74-67-68-209 and a ticket to nationals.

Ultimately, McCauley capped off her freshman year tied for runner-up at the Big Ten tournament and a top-80 national performance.

Looking back on her first experience as an incredibly fun and exciting time, McCauley is eager to create more memories just like it.

“I like to go into big competitions with no expectations and just have as much fun as I can, and the chips will fall where they may,” McCauley said.

After a successful first year, McCauley was determined to continue working hard and improve.

“It’s important to continue practicing and keep your goals in the back of your mind to always have something to work for,” McCauley said.

McCauley’s younger sister and teammate, Reese McCauley, has always grown up inspired by her sister’s work ethic.

“Bella is the one who would push me and made me want to go out there all the time,” Reese McCauley said.

Not only did Isabella McCauley return to the regional meet her sophomore season, but she also took the Big Ten Tri-Championship title after she finished second the previous year. 

In the offseason, McCauley stayed hard at work and continued to practice as much as possible. Over the years she focused on all the small aspects of golf people do not normally see. 

“Recently I’ve been focusing on putting the small things that go unnoticed in golf first and the score results secondary,” McCauley said.

By her second regional and national appearance in a row, McCauley learned the best ways to calm her nerves and keep her mind sharp. 

“All three years I have had the same mindset going in, and that is really to just have no expectations so I can take the pressure off and focus on having a fun time with my coaches and family,” McCauley said.

As a junior, McCauley already topped her previous accomplishments as she received an honorary invite to compete at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, was named Final Fall on ANNIKA Award News and Watch List and won her third collegiate tournament at the Ron Moore Intercollegiate. 

McCauley said she has been strategic in adjusting her goals over the years as she continues to improve every year. 

“I’ve learned to not compare myself to years prior and just focus on things that I can control,” McCauley said.

With six individual representatives and 12 teams, the dynamic of the regional meet felt very team-based. McCauley said she felt some of the pressure of the tournament lifted as an individual competitor. 

“It definitely takes the pressure off as an individual, plus I know a lot of people from other schools that I get along with really well, so I never have felt alone,” McCauley said.

While loving the opportunity to represent maroon and gold on her own, McCauley’s biggest goal as a senior is to qualify for both regionals and nationals with her team.

“As any athlete, you always have goals and expectations so I would really love to make an appearance with my team next year,” McCauley said. 

McCauley will compete next at the Columbus Regional tournament in Carlsbad, California on May 5.