CHICAGO, Ill. - If junior golfer Almudena Agüera had to describe her third season at Chicago State in one word, she wouldn't hesitate: challenging.
Even though her personal results didn't always reflect the work she put in, Agüera never wavered in her commitment to giving her best and helping the Cougars grow as a team. Competing at the Division I level was the opportunity she had always wanted a chance to test herself, elevate her game, and contribute to a program she believed was building something special.
"I was motivated to join Chicago State because I wanted to compete at the Division I level and keep improving my game," she said. "I liked the direction of the program and felt confident in the coaching staff. It was also an opportunity for me to grow through new challenges and contribute to a team that's working toward something bigger."
Throughout the ups and downs of the season, Agüera showed up consistently, intentionally, and with a team-first mindset. She competed with purpose, supported her teammates, and pushed through every obstacle with resilience.
"It wasn't a perfect season," she said. "But I'm proud of my effort, my attitude, and how I kept pushing through challenges without giving up."
A Positive Mindset When It Matters Most
Agüera's perseverance culminated in one of her strongest performances of the year: a 16th-place finish at the NEC Championship. It was a moment that reflected not just her skill, but her mental approach.
"My mindset going into the tournament was to enjoy the experience, stay relaxed, and trust my game," she said. "I tried to stay calm under pressure, not get ahead of myself, and focus on each shot as it came."
Just as important to her as her own play was the energy she brought to her teammates. Agüera made it a priority to stay positive, encourage others, and help create an environment where everyone could compete with confidence.
"I wanted to support my team and help create a good energy so we could all compete our best together," she said.
One of her favorite memories from the championship wasn't a shot or a score it was the small moments of connection that kept the team grounded.
"Whenever we saw each other on the course, we tried to cheer each other up or share a few jokes," she said. "It helped us laugh and take our minds off the bad thoughts for a bit. Those small moments made a big difference because they reminded us that we were in it together, no matter how the round was going."
That camaraderie, she says, is what makes competing for Chicago State special.
Looking Ahead: A Senior Season With Big Goals
With her junior season behind her, Agüera is already thinking about what comes next and the goals are clear.
"Honestly, I think it's pretty obvious we all want that ring," she said. "That's the goal every team is chasing."
On a personal level, she wants to continue improving, become more consistent, and make an even bigger impact in every tournament. As one of three players entering their senior year, she also feels a sense of responsibility to help lead the team forward.
"It feels like a really special opportunity to come together, push each other, and finish strong," she said.
Advice for the Next Generation
As she reflects on her journey, Agüera hopes younger golfers can learn from the lessons she's lived through.
"If I could give advice to younger golfers looking up to me, I'd tell them to stay patient and trust the process," she said. "Golf has a lot of ups and downs, so it's important not to get too discouraged after bad rounds or too excited after good ones."
Her message is simple: enjoy the game, work hard when no one is watching, and stay committed to steady progress.
"Progress takes time," she said. "Keep showing up with a positive attitude, and you'll get to where you want to go."
