Sara Padilla to Join NAU Women’s Golf Program

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Sara Padilla will be joining the Northern Arizona University women's golf program for the Fall of 2018 as a transfer student-athlete from Loyola University Chicago.

The Phoenix native will return to her home state after competing for the Ramblers the past two seasons. She was named a Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-American Scholar honoree during the 2016-17 season.

"We are extremely excited that Sara will be joining our program. She will be able to come in and solidify our roster," head coach Brad Bedortha said.

Padilla spent her high school years at Pinnacle High School in which she was a four-time qualifier for the state meet under head coach Charlie Wilde. During that time she recorded a Top 10 finish in the Arizona State Championships along with helping her team to back-to-back state runner-up finishes in 2013-14.

Padilla carded an 81.8 stroke average for 22 rounds during her play during the 2016-17 season at Loyola. She has excelled on the course and in the classroom as she has been on the Dean's List for her two years at the university.

Padilla noted that she chose NAU because it was close to home, is a great location and school and because of how competitive the Lumberjacks have been over the years.

"She's of very high character and will add a lot to our team," Bedortha added. "We're very grateful that she wants to become a Lumberjack and look forward to her being here in August."