As I began my journey in the transfer portal, I was worried and uncertain about my future. But one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to find a place where I would be valued as a golfer and a person.

The moment I started talking to Coach Alicia Um Holmes, I knew where I wanted to be – UCLA. With such a supportive staff and positive team culture, I felt confident that this was the environment where I could grow and achieve my goal of becoming a professional. I could not be more thankful for everything Alicia and assistant coaches Erynne Yoo and Jeff Troesch have done to help me realize my potential and find my love again for the sport that has given me so many opportunities.

My time at UCLA has been nothing short of amazing, even through all the ups and downs. My first quarter here was one of the toughest times of my college career. Adjusting to a new environment while struggling with my game meant I didn’t qualify for a single tournament in the fall season – something that hadn’t happened to me before then.

Although I wasn’t playing well, the support from UCLA as a whole allowed me to overcome the challenges I faced and brought me the happiest time in college. I was able to find things outside of golf that brought me happiness and eventually found joy and confidence in playing again, something I lost before coming here.

As the spring season approached, I was able to view it in a more positive light and did not let golf define who I was as a person. I played with less pressure, more freedom and a renewed belief that I belonged in the lineup alongside my teammates. Through all the talk of us being a fairly new team – with three other transfers, a freshman and only three returners – we played with confidence in ourselves, keeping one goal in mind: winning the national championship.

Although we came up just short, we still ended as the runners-up, showing all the hard work and determination we had, while also blocking out the noise from others who never believed we would get so far in match play. The unwavering support from the coaches and the university throughout the national championship tournament showed me how much a positive and strong support system contributes to success.

Going into my senior year, I was excited to be back and try to take another run at the NCAA title. Through unforeseen circumstances, we faced a tough reality of having to finish in the top seven at the Big Ten Conference Championships just to advance to NCAA Regionals. In the end, we got seventh, made it to regionals and ended up making it to nationals.

This year was full of lessons and hardships, but I am so beyond grateful to have experienced it with teammates who supported each other every step of the way. The many impromptu team meetings, pep talks and practice adjustments instilled confidence in us that allowed us to play the way we knew we could all year. I am so appreciative of UCLA and all the staff who have encouraged and supported me.

As my time at UCLA is coming to an end, I am endlessly grateful for the opportunities I have been given, especially the opportunity to compete for such an amazing university. This journey has been filled with love, encouragement and a new perspective, one that I will never take for granted. Thank you to Alicia for making this dream a reality. And forever, Go Bruins!

Vo played for UCLA women’s golf from 2023 to 2025 after transferring from Colorado.