Parents and educators often stress academics to student-athletes, but when athletes such as Isabel Dornellas make that choice, it raises eyebrows.
LSU coach Karen Bahnsen said the 2003 Academic All-SEC member has been a positive influence on and off the golf course, although she has been off the course more than coaches expected.
“I’ve always wanted to win a tournament and to be an All-American,” Bahnsen said. “It’s a very mental game. It’s hard if your mind is not there 100 percent of the time. It’s hard, it’s a really hard game.”
Dornellas said she sometimes regrets not being able to play, although she knows she made the right decision.
“It was hard, but these are two things I really like,” Dornellas said. “It’s hard at some times, but it is reassuring at other times.”
Bahnsen said other golfers benefitted from Dornellas’ presence on the team, although her time has been limited.
“She hasn’t gotten to play as much as she would like to,” Bahnsen said. “She’s been a great addition to our program. Even when she hasn’t been able to play, she’s been supportive of her teammates.”
The golf career of senior Isabel Dornellas may have ended this spring, but that is not keeping her from pursuing a degree in engineering.
“After golf, I have the rest of my life to prepare for,” Dornellas said. “I might as well do what I like to do.”
LSU coach Karen Bahnsen said she liked what she saw from Dornellas when she first saw footage of Dornellas in action.
“I was in need of a player to play for me right away,” Bahnsen said. “I could tell she had a very good swing. Even though she was not a very big hitter, I knew she had a good short game because she had a competitive record against good competition.”
Bahnsen said the engineering degree program of the three-time Brazilian Junior Champion has forced her to miss some tournaments, but Bahnsen understands because she knows Dornellas has a career to look forward to.
“Basically, competitively, you knew you could always count on her,” Bahnsen said. “She has done very well, I’ve been very proud of her.”
LSU coach Karen Bahnsen said Dornellas has been a model student and athlete for younger golfers on the team, citing Dornellas’ work ethic and “never-give-up” attitude.
“I’ve always been taught to go for academics,” said the former No. 1 golfer in the Brazilian Junior rankings. “What are you going to do if you break a leg or something? You just have to do your best at both.”