Pullman, Wash. – Madelyn Gamble tees off to start her senior season with Washington State Women's Golf. Last season, she participated in her first NCAA Regionals at Tumble Creek Golf Club in Cle Elum, Wash. after posting the third best scoring average in program history. Last fall Gamble had two top 20 finishes, and this spring she was named pre-season all West Coast Conference alongside Alice Johannson.
 
We recently had a chance to talk to senior Madelyn Gamble.
 
Why did you choose to come to Pullman?
 
I chose to come to Pullman because of the coaching staff at the time, I had a good connection with them. I'm from northern California, which is part of a bigger city but, coming to Pullman had the small college town vibe.
 
What has been your favorite part about being in Pullman?
 
I think it's awesome that everyone supports each other, specifically within the athletic department and across campus. And anywhere you go you get a 'Go Cougs', I think that's something special.
 
What's been your favorite memory of playing golf so far?
 
The Pac-12 Championships, when we hosted last year. That was special because all our support staff, some of my classmates came to watch us, and just being able to show off Palouse Ridge was awesome.
 
What was the biggest change from Pleasant Hill, Calif. To Pullman?
 
The small town, I'm so used to so many things around me. Moving to Pullman I was able to focus on my golf, school, and building relationships. It was nice to not have the outside noise of northern California.
 
When was the point that you realized you loved golf?
 
I've always enjoyed golf. When I was little, I would drag my dad out to the course because I wanted to go play and practice. There's something about it, the challenge of trying to get better every day. There's always something to work on. My dad grew up playing, and then when I was younger, he would record LPGA [Ladies Professional Golf Association], and I would just sit and watch them.
 
Do you have a favorite golf course?
 
Monterey Peninsula Country Club, I lived close to Monterey and it's kind of a golf mecca. It's awesome, it's a treat.  It's manicured nicely, right on the ocean, and it's incredible. I'm kind of at a loss for words talking about it. I grew up playing there because we'd have the California Junior and would play there every year.
 
What does being named Preseason All-WCC mean to you?
 
Anytime I'm able to represent WSU women's golf in a good way is a privilege. Alice [Johansson] being on that list as well, it's special to be on there with a teammate.
 
What are you most excited for this season?
 
The progression that I've seen since September to now as a team has honestly been incredible. It's the most I've seen a team progress in my four years here. We all work hard and being able to go out there and play has made us close. So being able to enjoy that with them.
 
Do you have any pre-round or pre-match rituals?
 
I have a foam roller that I travel with, the team calls it Go-Go. And I make sure to stretch a lot. I used to be super superstitious and that's something that I've worked on throughout my four years here. So no, not superstitions anymore. I can thank my teammates for that, all of us coming from different countries and different parts of the country everyone has their own thing. I think over time I was able to realize the pair of shoes that I wear doesn't change the way I play.
 
Do you have a dream foursome, or do you prefer to play individual?
 
Off the top of my head, Tiger Woods, Scotty Scheffler, and Nelly Korda. I really like the way that Scotty plays golf and Tiger is self-explanatory. But Scotty focuses on athleticism in golf, he's not your conventional swing.
 
What is one thing you would want fans to know if they're coming out to support you?
 
Feeling supported out on the golf course in and out of competition is awesome. I'm a big advocate for growing girls' golf. Without the people before me that advocated I wouldn't be in the position that I am now. I really appreciate it, I love seeing little girls out on the course and that's something that I'm passionate about.
 
Who is a golfer that you look up to?
 
Kelli Kamimura who was our head coach and now works in our athletic department, she recruited me. She was an incredible player and is extremely humble about it. It's the way that she carries herself and the reputation she has in women's golf, colligate golf, and golf in general. She's a huge reason why I'm here at WSU and has always been someone on and off the course that I look up to.
 
What's the best advice you've received when it comes to golf?
 
Pressure is a privilege is probably the one. In my four years here that's something that I've really worked on, embracing pressure whether it's a putt to win or to shoot a low score or even a hard shot. I realized it's a privilege to have that opportunity.
 
What is a piece of advice that you would give your younger self?
 
It sounds cliché, but I would say embrace everything. Because it really did go by fast, I'll get memories on my phone, and I can't believe that was three years ago. But just embrace it, I've delt with so many ups and downs, and changes with coaches and teammates. At first that change was difficult but embracing it and moving forward is something that I would tell my freshman self.