Sophia Nguyen’s ascent to the top of Texas junior golf is a story of perseverance and precision. At 17, Sophia recently clinched the Lone Star Junior Open title, a victory that cements her reputation as one of Austin’s brightest young athletes. Her journey began at the age of 10, when her father introduced her to golf as a way to bond. “I loved it from the first swing,” she recalls.
By 13, Sophia had joined local tournaments, but her early years were marked by inconsistency. That all changed when she began training with Coach Monica Ruiz, a former collegiate golfer turned mentor. Ruiz’s emphasis on fundamentals and mental toughness transformed Sophia’s game. “Coach taught me how to play smart golf,” Sophia explains. “She always says, ‘Don’t overpower the course; outthink it.’”
Sophia’s standout moment came at the Lone Star Junior Open, where she faced fierce competitors and difficult weather conditions. On the final day, heavy rain tested her ability to adapt. Her steady putting and strategic approach helped her outperform others, earning her the trophy.Off the course, Sophia is equally driven. Balancing her academics with golf, she maintains a 4.0 GPA and serves as president of her school’s environmental club. Her future goals include earning a college scholarship and eventually joining the LPGA. “Golf has taught me discipline and patience, and I want to inspire other girls to pick up the sport,” she says.
