AMES, Iowa — When the “Cyclonitas” are together, it’s all smiles and laughter.
“They’re just a joy to be around and we have so much fun every day,” said Iowa State head women’s golf coach Christie Martens.
But on the course, they mean business. The team claimed its first-ever Big 12 championship on April 25, and sophomore Nichakorn Pinprayoon took home the individual title.
“We practice as a team and talk to each other,” said Pinprayoon. “We’re all on the same page. We understand what we need to do and what we need to work on.”
That connection has been key to their success. All of their players are international, coming from Thailand, Spain, Australia and China. They all bring something different to the table, and it’s brought them even closer together.
“I have other ways to act or to practice or to just live every day,” said sophomore Alexandra Vidal. “I think the process of learning from each other, learning the way we do stuff and knowing each other more deeply actually created a strong bond.”
Their support system stretches well beyond the team.
“I think that makes us feel kind of like more comfortable and safer, especially the people around us, not even just our team.” said senior Pammy Chookaew. “People in Iowa or on campus or athletic department, they all are supporting us and they’re all so nice and welcoming.”
The Cyclonitas have found a family in each other and a home away from home in Ames. It’s why they’re proud to represent Iowa State during one of the most historic runs in program history.
The team will make its 16th appearance at regionals in Louisville, Kentucky. The tournament runs from May 11-13. The top five teams in each of the six regionals will then advance to the NCAA Championships.