Former ASU Sun Devils now competing at Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Lineup of athletes, from students to professionals
TEMPE, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Getting ready for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been unlike any other. But having included Arizona State University (ASU) in their journeys, these athletes now have a shot at winning the gold!
Jon Rahm Rodriguez earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, after beginning his education with ASU in the fall of 2012.
.@JonRahmpga is a 2021 U.S. Open champion and six-time winner on the PGA Tour. He won 11 collegiate events during his career at ASU.https://t.co/QC7oE2A3TW pic.twitter.com/eSp3Mb6Vo4
— Arizona State University (@ASU) July 24, 2021
Now sponsored by Callaway, TravisMathew, Blue Yonder, Rolex, Mercedes-Benz and Silverleaf Club, Rahm finished out the ‘majors season’ on Monday. He achieved third place in the Open Championship held on the British course at Royal St. George’s.
Anna Maria Nordqvist began her education with ASU in the fall of 2012. Her studies lasted for about two-and-a-half years.
So dissapointed in you @britishairways !!! Got to enjoy my new golf bag for two days and now it lost nowhere to be found at @DFWAirport @londonheathrow - how can it go missing with all my clubs?? So much for business class service. 😡 I have tournaments to play!! Pls share! pic.twitter.com/d5nQ1OpKkz
— Anna Nordqvist (@ANordqvist) July 5, 2021
She recently tweeted about British Airways losing her new golf bag expressing how dissapointed she was in their service.
Azahara Munoz Vickers graduated magna cum laude from ASU in the spring of 2009. Her studies focused on brain research with a minor in business.
At the Rio 2016 Olympics, Vickers earned 21st place according to their online records.
.@ANordqvist tied for fifth at the @NCAA Championships and for first at the PING/ASU Invitational. In her first year with ASU, she was a Pac-12 co-champion, @GolfCoachesAssn Freshman of the Year, Pac-10 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.https://t.co/QC7oE2A3TW pic.twitter.com/dLLPtni2G3
— Arizona State University (@ASU) July 24, 2021
Giulia Molinaro began her education with ASU in the fall of 2008. Having been born in Italy, she was raised in Kenya. She became Italy's number one golfer at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she finished T53.
Carlota Ciganda Machiñena earned her bachelor's degree from ASU, specifically in Business Administration. According to the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LGPA), she qualified for the LPGA Tour on her first attempt.
.@carlotagolf made conference history as the first back-to-back Pac-10 champion. During her time at ASU, she earned NCGA All-America honors twice and was named ESPN The Magazine third-time Academic All-American.https://t.co/QC7oE2A3TW pic.twitter.com/WzpTPTgns3
— Arizona State University (@ASU) July 24, 2021
Though Paul Casey began playing for the Sun Devils in 1998, he decided to forgo the rest of his education at ASU in 2000 to begin a professional career. Casey's former coach Rany Lein had this to say on the matter:
Paul's decision is one that I understand and support.He has brought a lot of attention to Arizona State and has represented the university in a great manner. During this fall, Paul came to the realization that he wanted to begin his professional career. With opportunities that will be available the first of the year, he is excited about playing professionally. He has had the opportunity to play with many Sun Devils currently playing professionally like Phil Mickelson, Todd Demsey, Jim Carter and many others, and he wants to join that elite group.
And Casey has certainly earned himself a well respected reputation among golfers nationally, and abroad.
