The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Energy, discipline, experience: Leaders behind Women’s Golf (The Daily Texan)
03.11.2026 | Women's Golf
They are three different people who share one passion, and as Texas Women's Golf head coach Laura Ianello puts it, three leaders who "make for an awesome crew."
By Leo Barnes | Daily Texan | March 10, 2026
The rule of three.
A fundamental principle of storytelling — the idea that things are stronger in three. Beginning, middle and end. Past, present and future. For Texas women's golf, the rule takes the form of three leaders.
Junior Farah O'Keefe brings the energy, not afraid to mix wins with wit. Junior Lauren Kim sets the standard through relentless discipline, usually unafraid to voice her opinion. And senior Cindy Hsu exemplifies excellence through experience, not always the loudest voice, but often the most measured.
Soon, the trio will take their talents to the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur in April with an opportunity to showcase their skills on the national stage. But for now, the focus is on something just as important: leading the team beside them.
They are three different people who share one passion, and as Texas women's golf head coach Laura Ianello puts it, three leaders who "make for an awesome crew."
Although O'Keefe may be the loudest of the three, her leadership isn't about commanding the room. Instead, it comes through connection. Whether it's sharing a joke or asking the simple question of how one's day has been, O'Keefe keeps a sense of community in a sport built on individuality.
"(O'Keefe) has an energy unlike any other player on our team," Ianello said. "She is always laughing, always in a good mood, always trying to help others."
Ianello jokes that while O'Keefe may be the emotional spark, she isn't always the most organized. While she may show up a couple of minutes late, when she does arrive, it's always with infectious energy.
However, energy alone doesn't build a team. It needs balance, structure and discipline — qualities Kim brings to every practice and event.
"I'm one of those players (who gets) confidence from the amount of work that I put into my craft," Kim said.
Usually a stickler for routine, Kim's often the last one off the range. Her devotion to practice, preparation and repetition sets a standard few can ignore.
"On the golf course, she's just ruthless," O'Keefe said. "You'll play with Lauren for 54 holes, and she might miss three fairways. She doesn't make mistakes … when you're around Lauren, you want to work harder."
Although Kim's demeanor may appear stoic, teammates say that's only part of her story.
"I don't know how else to describe her, other than Canadian," O'Keefe said jokingly. "She's just loving, nice (and) hard-working. It's just Lauren."
If O'Keefe brings the juice and Kim brings the structure, Hsu provides the experience. As the only senior of the trio, Hsu acts as the silent captain, sharing strategies and lessons she has learned from years past.
"When it comes to preparation, I'm very open to share," Hsu said. "(I'll share) what I see for the course, or what my thoughts (are) about this hole, but (I'm also) not trying to teach everybody how to play. I lead … and respect at the same time."
Born in Taiwan, Hsu's first language isn't English. But when the time comes to share advice or strategy, she doesn't hold back. Her leadership doesn't demand attention; it shows up in the small moments. It's advice between holes, a calm reminder to reset or the occasional joke that no one expects.
It's these three who help define the culture inside the locker room.
"(The standard is) focus, integrity, grit, heart and team," Ianello said. "That's what we're about."
Three different leaders. Three different personalities. One standard — and proof that the strongest stories come in threes.
