This story comes from this week's WAC Podcast which can be seen HERE

After the final putt dropped, and the cheers echoed across Stonebridge Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Tarleton State Women’s Golf had done it again — back-to-back Western Athletic Conference (WAC) champions, a feat defined by grit, poise, and a collective belief that never wavered.

When Head Coach Isabel Jimenez walked off the green, emotion overcame her. “It’s very difficult right now to hold it in,” she said. “I can’t describe it — being back-to-back champions in Texas, it’s incredible. I’m at a loss for words. The way they played today, it’s amazing.”

The Texans’ journey to the top wasn’t just about numbers on a scorecard. It was about composure under pressure, a clear plan, and a team that trusted each other from the first tee to the final putt. And at the heart of it all was senior Louise Depadt, who etched her name in the conference’s history as a back-to-back individual champion.

The Calm Before the Storm

The night before the final round, Jimenez made one thing clear: stay grounded. The team had finished late and gathered for dinner, choosing to keep the mood light even with everything on the line. “We knew what we needed to do,” Jimenez said. “We knew we needed to stay firm. The competitors were going to come out and play good golf, but if we stuck to our plan, we could do it.”

Her message resonated in every detail. “I told the girls, as soon as you feel some of that anticipation, some of that anxiety, ground yourself and come back,” she said. “You’re the only one who can bring you back when we’re not out there.”

That mindset turned into action. The Texans played with remarkable composure, a trait that showed up when the pressure was highest. “They had a clear goal in mind and they went for it,” Jimenez said.

A Team Effort Defined

What made this title even sweeter was how everyone contributed. Freshman Gina (Chen) opened and closed her round with birdies, fighting through an up-and-down day. “She held it together — super proud of her,” Jimenez said. “Same with Natalia (Fiel Ros). It was a team effort. Everyone pitched in, whether it was on the golf course or mentally. That’s what makes it so special.”

Even with three returners from last year’s title run and two new faces, the group gelled at the perfect time. “It feels even better when it’s that way,” Jimenez said. “I saw composure from all of them.”

Leading the Way

Junior Louise Depadt set the pace from the opening hole. Playing in the final group, she shot even par and never flinched as the tension built. “She’s definitely a leader on this team,” Jimenez said. “She sets the tone and pushes everyone. She deserved this victory. The sky’s the limit for her.”

Depadt’s steady play was the anchor the Texans needed. “I try to stay patient,” said Depadt. “My good part of my golf game is getting the green in regulation, so I just had to wait for the putts to fall. It didn’t happen today, but it was enough to win.”

She understood what the moment meant — for herself and for the team. “I’m super proud of the team,” she said. “We worked all season for that moment, and it came off with the victory. I played solid golf all week, so I’m super happy.”

Back-to-Back Greatness

Winning once is hard. Winning twice takes something more. “Why it’s super important to do back to back — it’s crazy,” Depadt said. “I didn’t play as good as last year, but the course was super hard. It’s just awesome doing it back to back.”

Her confidence carried the group, especially as they battled a strong field. “They’re a really good team so we never know,” Depadt said of their closest competitors. “But I was confident enough that we were gonna make it work today, and it happened.”

Now, with regionals on the horizon, she’s ready to lead again. “I’m just gonna say enjoy the moment,” Depadt said. “It’s super special to be there in regionals with the team. People from the school are probably gonna come, so they just have to enjoy the experience.”

What’s Next

The Texans don’t know their regional assignment yet, but wherever they go, Jimenez believes her team is ready. “We’re super happy that the season is not over and that we’re going into regionals for the second time in a row,” she said. “We’re for sure gonna put up a good fight.”

After two championships in two years, Tarleton State has proven that winning isn’t just about talent — it’s about unity, composure, and believing in each other when it matters most. “We never doubted ourselves,” Jimenez said. “It was amazing seeing them gliding through the golf course. It felt really special.”