Meet the Player: Isabel Brozena

Responses provided by Isabel Brozena via written correspondence and published as received.

Portrait of Isabel Brozena. (Photo courtesy of Isabel Brozena)

Isabel Brozena is an NCAA Division I golfer at Xavier University and the 2025 and 2026 Massachusetts Women's Amateur Champion.

How did you first get into golf, and what made you fall in love with the game?

I first got into golf by going to the range with my dad one day when I was 7 years old. I had a lot of fun, and we decided to play at the local par 3 course. I ended up taking lessons there for four or five years. I fell in love with the sport because of how difficult it is, needing such a high level of mental and physical capacity.

If you could have one conversation with your younger self at the beginning of your golf journey, what would you tell her?

If I could have one conversation with my younger self at the beginning of my golf journey, I would tell her to not hyper focus on results and make sure to have fun in the game. When starting from a young age, it’s important to not get too caught up in results as much as just building a love for the game.

Who has had the biggest impact on your golf journey and why?

 My dad definitely had the biggest impact on my golf journey. He is my best friend, and he’s helped me so much, from being on the bag or just looking at swing videos no matter how many I send. Whenever I play tournaments, it feels like I’m playing for both our names on the leaderboard with how much work he puts in to help me succeed.

When you first started playing golf, what did you imagine your journey would look like? How has the reality been different from—or similar to—what you expected?

When I first started playing golf, I knew I would play in tournaments. I began playing in them soon after I started so golf has been competitive for most of my life. Obviously, a key aspect of competitive golf is that it’s not certain what the next tournament holds. You could win one and it is meaningless towards the next first tee you step on.

Isabel Brozena tees off during a round. (Photo courtesy of Isabel Brozena)

What is your favorite memory from playing golf?

My favorite memory from playing golf is probably just playing against my dad at our home course. It’s always a really great time and I love competing with him when I’m not in tournaments. It’s also really important to play on a more casual level, as someone who is constantly playing in competitive situations.

What is one lesson golf has taught you that influenced your life beyond the course?

One lesson that golf has taught me that I’ve taken beyond the course is to carry yourself with confidence. Golf is an extremely mental sport so creating a positive environment for your mind to live in is so important. The way you walk and what you say to yourself are so critical in determining your success.

What are some mental qualities/mindsets that have helped you achieve success in this sport? Do you have a certain pre-shot routine, self-talk, etc.?

Mental qualities that have helped me achieve success in the sport are definitely my confidence. Many of my teammates and friends consider me to be very confident, which I think is why I’ve been successful. Oftentimes, what you think of yourself is how you’re presented and representative of how you play. If you want to have a big game and make a lot of birdies, it’s necessary to act like it.

Isabel Brozena watches her putt roll towards the hole. (Photo courtesy of Isabel Brozena)

Have you faced any challenges or barriers that you feel are unique to women in golf? If so, how have you navigated them?

I have definitely faced challenges that are unique to women in golf as I was on a boys golf team for my four years in high school. On that team, I saw a few opponents treat me differently as they likely didn’t want to be beat by a girl, an extremely outdated way to think. I navigated my time on the team by focusing on my game and standing up for myself when I had to. At the end of the day, I didn’t let anybody’s actions influence my result.

What would you say to a girl who feels intimidated or doesn't think she belongs in golf?

To any girl who feels she doesn’t belong in the sport and feels intimidated, I would tell her that her feelings are understandable as golf is a male dominated sport, yet that is absolutely no reason to not play. Golf is for everyone and there is a huge community of women who play. I’ve met some of my close friends through this sport and I’m so happy I chose it.

If you could leave one message for the next generation of female golfers, what would it be?

If I could leave one message for the next generation of female golfers, I would tell them to never let anyone’s actions dictate your confidence.

Isabel Brozena watches her ball after a tee shot. (Photo courtesy of Isabel Brozena)

Rapid Fire:

• Favorite golf course you've played?

  Pinehurst #2

• Favorite golf snack?

  Cheez-Its

• If you could play one round with any golfer (past or present), who would it be?

  Jordan Spieth

• Favorite club?

  Driver

• Best excuse after a bad shot?

  My caddy (my dad) gave me the wrong advice

  
  

• Finish the sentence: "Golf is..."

  Hard

Isabel Brozena watches her ball after a shot. (Photo courtesy of Isabel Brozena)