By Megan Cooper, Guest Writer  

On Aug. 14th, Isabel Brozena, a junior member of the Xavier Women’s Golf team, lined up her putter to the ball on the last hole for a 4-foot putt to win the 2026 Massachusetts Women’s Amateur tournament for the second year in a row.  

“It was just a relief. That whole week was a buildup of pressure. I mean, you are winning one match, but there is another one right around the corner,” Brozena said after her win.  

As Brozena started on the last day of the tournament, she knew she was in the lead by two through nine holes. However, as she began the last nine holes, she could sense that her biggest competition, Molly Smith, was quickly closing the gap.  

“I knew she was coming; I could feel it, I could feel the fire. It was kind of back and forth. I honestly didn’t really feel like I was going to win until the last putt dropped,” Brozena said. “Winning last year, while being great, definitely put pressure on me this year.” She has played in this tournament every year since she was 14, except for the summer she entered college because she had to attend Manresa.  

“To come back from not being able to play and then win, it was just so awesome because I felt like I am back as this new version of myself, this new golfer,” Brozena said.   

“I think, as a player, she’s one of the best competitors I’ve ever been around. She’s very determined, she’s very disciplined, and she’s got an energy around her on and off the golf course.” Stephanie Young, head coach of the Xavier Women’s Golf Team, said.  

Brozena started playing golf when she was about seven or eight years old, when her dad took her to the driving range one day. It was there that she fell in love with golf. She then continued to practice and play at her local par three course. She talks about her dad being her role model and biggest support system.  

Brozena also feels a lot of support from the Massachusetts golf community, which she has been a part of for as long as she has played.  

“I have worked really hard to play this well, but I think it’s all built upon the fact that when I was younger, I was nowhere near the top of the leaderboard. That sort of fueled me to get to where I am… I still feel like I am overcoming that every single time I play. That is the biggest thing that inspires me and pushes me.” Brozena said. 

The Xavier Women’s Golf team has won the Big East Championship over the past seven consecutive years and are going for an eighth title this season.  

“I feel we have really good team chemistry.” Brozena said.  

“The team are all exceptional athletes across the board, and Isabel is a part of that.” Young said.  

This season, Brozena hopes to get into the top 150 rankings for college players and world amateurs. This past summer, she had the incredible opportunity to play in Scotland at the US Women’s Amateur tournament, which, according to her coach, helped to grow her confidence as she continues to play golf.