Maria Jose Marin claims NCAA championship title
- Maria Jose Marin, competing for Arkansas, won the NCAA Women's Golf Championship in California on May 19, 2025.
- She finished with a two-shot victory, solidifying her place as a prominent figure in collegiate women's golf.
- Her performance contributes to Arkansas's strong showing in women's golf, with the team advancing to the NCAA team matches.
In Carlsbad, California, Maria Jose Marin, a sophomore from Arkansas, triumphed at the NCAA Women's Golf Championship held at La Costa, showcasing her exceptional skill and composure. On May 19, 2025, she finished the individual competition with a strong performance, closing with a 3-under 69 to secure a two-shot victory over her closest competitors. This victory marked her as the third woman from Arkansas to achieve this prestigious title, joining the ranks of notable champions Stacy Lewis and Maria Fassi. Her journey in the championship included a remarkable third-round score of 65, setting the stage for her final round. Marin’s performance was a testament to her talent, as she maintained her lead despite challenges from competitors Kelly Xu of Stanford and Mirabel Ting of Florida State. Marin faced moments of tension, particularly with a bogey on the 13th hole; however, she rebounded with poise and secured her win with a decisive birdie on the last hole. The crowning moment solidified her place among Arkansas's top talents in women's golf, and she expressed her emotions, revealing a mixed feeling of happiness and pride for her accomplishment. Meanwhile, in the team matches, the Arkansas team advanced among the final eight teams in the tournament, reinforcing the program's competitive spirit. The overall event involved multiple institutions with Stanford emerging as the top seed, continuing to excel in women's collegiate golf.