- May 13, 2025
Winning a conference golf championship for Florida State University has always been a dream of former Matanzas High School golfer Alexandra Gazzoli.
"Growing up, I would put myself in certain scenarios to make practice more interesting," the freshman said. "I have always enjoyed having to make a putt or get up and down to win the final point.”
On April 19, the dream became a reality as the lifelong FSU fan sank the final putt of match-play to give the Seminoles their first Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Golf Championship.
Playing in the final match at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, Gazzoli shot par on the par-5 18th hole to gain a 1-up victory against Wake Forest’s Carolina Lopez-Chacarra. Gazzoli's second shot was just off the green. She chipped to 15 feet and sank a 2-footer on her second putt to give the Seminoles a 3-2 victory and the ACC championship.
The third-ranked Seminoles have the No. 1 seed in the Lexington, Kentucky NCAA Regional on May 5-7. The Observer spoke with Gazzoli by phone on April 23.
Being a lifelong Seminoles fan, how exciting was it to sink the winning putt and secure FSU’s first ACC championship?
“It's still kind of crazy to think about. I don't think it's really sunk in yet, but I'm really grateful to have been able to be part of the team that was able to do it. I didn't expect to be in that position when I saw the lineup for the matches the day before. So when I figured out towards the end of the round (with the score tied 2-2) that I was going to be in that position, I was a little anxious, but I was really grateful to be able to do that.”
What was your immediate reaction? Did you jump in the air and get swarmed by your teammates?
I guess I don't really have big reactions like that. I guess I made the putt and then, after I hugged my competitor and everything, everyone on the team ran up. It was like one big group hug. Everyone was so happy. It was a really cool moment.
FSU is now one tournament from advancing to the NCAA championships. Is there more pressure as you get closer?
There is pressure to perform. But I think everyone's confident, but we're all really focused, and you're focused on regionals and not looking too far ahead. So we're confident, but not overlooking anyone.
You’ve said you’ve learned a lot during your freshman season. How has your game improved?
I would say, staying in the moment. I kind of struggle with that sometimes. So I feel like, especially at the ACC I did a good job not worrying about the other matches on the course and what was going on. I was able to focus on myself. I would also say, basic things like course management. I think my short game really has improved, and I feel like it showed in that last match. It really helped me win that.
What are your long-range goals? I know your ultimate goal is to play professionally.
Yes, I would say that's my ultimate goal. Hopefully, I graduate, get my degree (she's majoring in criminology). Then I'd be able to go pro after that and be on Tour. That's my main goal, I would say.
Did you realize how strong your team was going to be this year?
Well, obviously having Lottie (Woad) and Mirabel (Ting), the top two amateurs in the world, really helps. But I think everyone played really great this season, and a lot of people stepped up when they had to. And I think, especially now, everyone's starting to play really well. So, hopefully we're able to keep going through regionals and nationals.
Have you learned a lot playing with Lottie and Mirabel?
Just being around them and watching them practice, you're able to learn a lot, especially playing with them, the way they carry themselves, and how they think and function.
Finally, how does sinking the final putt to win the ACC championship rank with your other accomplishments in golf?
Honestly, I would say, number one. I guess growing up, I've always dreamed of being able to win a conference championship, and hopefully one day a national championship for Florida State, but then for it to actually become a reality, and, the way it happened, and to do it with such a great, fun team, it just hasn't sunk in yet.
