Whether it’s dusty Bicycle Motocross (BMX) courses or grassy golf courses – she knows her way around both. Junior and mechanical engineering major, Rachelle Nielsen, a competitive golf player for the Javelinas, excels in athleticism with ease. Her expertise in both BMX racing and golf make her special.
She remembers positioning her helmet at the starting line of her BMX races at a young age. She raced consecutively before she decided to pursue an athletic career in golf.
“I used to race [in] BMX as a child and always played golf but played more competitively when I was 12 after I burned out from racing BMX,” she said.
Although Nielsen began her athletic career racing bikes she is not a stranger to the golf course.
Nielsen’s favorite golf memory happened three years ago when she was competing at the U.S. Open Championship.
“[A great memory] would be when I was at the US open in 2015 and Phil Michelson gave me a thumbs up,” she said.
Another memory of hers is going to the golf course with her father. It was a change of scenery for her outside of the BMX courses she was used to treading. She began to learn golf quickly and her skills progressed.
“Basically, I had always played [golf] since my dad would take me to the course with him,” she said.
Now Nielsen’s bike racing days are behind her as she is shining on the golf course. Head Coach Stephanie Gray has noticed her excellence and dedication to the sport.
“Compared to the first year I was here, she is working harder than I have ever seen her work, which is impressive,” Gray said.
On the golf course, Nielsen’s competitive nature comes out and she does her best no matter what the obstacle is. A possible advantage she acquired from BMX racing.
“She has the best composure, handling the weather, her emotions, and handling any adversity thrown on her at the [golf] course. She got sick and she [still] performed her best since she’s been a Javelina,” Gray said.
She makes the best out of every situation on the golf course, a part of her personality treasured by Gray.
“She’s been here for two years and her strong suit is scrambling. When she hits it in trouble she can get out of it. She won’t hit it on the green all the time, but she manages to make par,” the coach continued.
According to javelinaathletics.com, Nielsen finished with her top-10 best performance last week at the Concho River Classic in San Angelo. Coach Gray believes she will only go up from here as the season starts to pick up this Spring.
