Exciting Additions to NAU Women’s Golf Team
Flagstaff, Arizona — Coach Brad Bedortha is thrilled to welcome three new players to the Northern Arizona University (NAU) women’s golf team for the Fall 2026 season. With two key players, Lizzie and Nina, departing, these recruits are set to keep the team moving in a positive direction.
Meet the New Recruits
- Sofia Blanco – Freshman | Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Sofia Blanco is making waves as she joins the Lumberjacks. Currently ranked 319th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), Sofia is only 17 years old but has already achieved a lot. She won the 2025 XXIV Enrique Santos Córdoba Cup in Ecuador and earned a gold medal in mixed teams at the 2024 South American Junior Golf Championship.
Sofia has also made history as the youngest competitor in the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile. Choosing NAU for its supportive community, she’s excited about her growth as both a student and an athlete.
- Martyna Muchajer – Freshman | Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland
Martyna Muchajer is another strong addition to the team. She brings a wealth of experience as the 2025 Polish Champion of Professionals and Amateurs. Her journey includes competing as a member of the Polish National Team since 2020, and she recently clinched the top spot in the European Team Shield.
Martyna was drawn to NAU for its strong program and how well she connected with the coaching staff.
- Kristyna Malinova – Freshman | Prague, Czech Republic
From Prague, Kristyna Malinova arrives with impressive credentials, having achieved a career-high WAGR ranking of 655. She was named the Czech Best Junior in 2024 after winning the Czech International Girls Championship. Kristyna has also represented her country at the European Girls Team Championship.
Her love for nature and the appeal of Flagstaff solidified her choice to attend NAU.
The Big Picture
Adding these young talents to the team illustrates a broader trend in women’s sports: more young players are stepping up on international stages. According to recent reports, female athletes are participating in sports at higher competitive levels than ever before.
Coaches see this as an opportunity to nurture talent early, something Bedortha is clearly doing with this recruitment class. The commitment to player development and a focus on education and community makes NAU an attractive place for young athletes worldwide.
In Summary
With Sofia, Martyna, and Kristyna joining the ranks, the NAU women’s golf team is set for a bright future. Their unique backgrounds and experiences will greatly contribute to the program’s ongoing success. Keep an eye out for these exciting players as they make their mark in Flagstaff!
Stay connected with the team on their social media pages: Instagram and X.
