The future of the Wildcats’ Golf team could be in the hands of a freshman: Mexico City native Alejandra Llaneza. She entered the 2007-08 season with a decorated resume of experience and individual crowns, including five Mexican National Championships.

The only freshman on the team, Llaneza started playing golf at the age of six and played her first tournament when she was eight. It wasn't long until she began placing in major events.

Llaneza has first place finishes at the Texas Junior Golf Tour and Junior’s American Cup. She finished third at the Callaway Junior World Championship. She also played in the American Junior Golf Association for four years, winning the 2002-03 Player of the Year, and played in six LPGA tournaments in Mexico.

Besides the fact that Arizona is a good place to golf, Llaneza said that the deciding factor for choosing to play for the University of Arizona was former UA golf star Lorena Ochoa, who was named NCAA Women's Golfer of the Year in 2000 and 2001, before leaving at the end of her sophomore season to play on the LPGA Tour. She is now the No. 1 women's golfer in the world.

Llaneza met the Guadalajara native about five years ago when they played against each other in the National Amateur Tournament in Mexico. Ever since, Ochoa has offered a helping hand for her fellow countrywoman.

“She’s always trying to help me,” Llaneza said, “and it’s always good to have her advice. Sometimes she will help me out with certain types of shots. We talk about just about anything.”

It was Ochoa who encouraged her to play for Arizona.

“I found out that if you play college golf, you can have a career doing it later,” Llaneza said. “Lorena really recommended (Arizona) and she really helped me with my decision that it was the best fit for me.”

To those who know her, it appears that Llaneza is following in her mentor's footsteps in more ways than one.

Arizona head coach Shelly Haywood said the similarities between the girls are uncanny.

“She sometimes gets teased on the practice tee by other college players when we are at another tournament because her swing resembles Lorena Ochoa’s, but I’m sure that is something that she would gladly be compared to,” Haywood said. “She also has a lucky ball marker with Lorena Ochoa’s logo on it and she uses it in every tournament."

Llaneza has not boosted herself to the immediate status of Ochoa just yet, but after a strong fall season and a good start this spring, she is definitely making a name for herself. She already has one top 10 finish, two top 20 finishes, and currently ranks second on the team lineup behind senior Alison Walshe. She is also currently ranked 89th individually in the country.

“I feel confident about what I’ve accomplished,” Llaneza said. “I really hope I can keep it up and help the team.”

According to Haywood, she has already become an important part of the team.

“She came in right away and worked really hard to secure her spot on the traveling squad," Haywood said. "She brings a very determined attitude and work ethic. She has improved every tournament.”

Senior and fellow teammate Mary Jacobs agrees: “She brings so much life and positive energy. What she brings to our team on the course is parallel to what she brings off the course. The people from Mexico have such warm, beautiful hearts and you can certainly tell she comes from there. It is always nice to have internationals be a part of our team. Her future is so bright on and off the course.”

Llaneza has made a smooth transition to moving to the United States, saying her only challenge was moving away from her parents. Her academic major is yet to be decided, but she was named by Arizona Athletics as the Student Athlete of the Month for October 2007. Even with all this success, she isn’t planning on leaving college early to join the LPGA tour.

“I think it’s very important to stay for four years and get experience and get a degree,” Llaneza said. “I also have to grow up and be more prepared for the next level.” Llaneza hopes that next level involves playing professionally, representing both the UA and her home country.

“She has a love for her country and her people and it shows in everything she does." said Haywood. "I know Ale will be successful in whatever she chooses and hopefully, she will be the next great Wildcat from Mexico on the LPGA Tour.”