Dartmouth first year Sophia Li enters the spring season with one of the strongest freshman resumes in the Ivy League, backed by a decorated junior career and an immediate breakthrough at the collegiate level. Originally from New York City, Li has quickly proven she can handle pressure, scoring conditions, and high level fields, making her a player to watch as Dartmouth opens the spring at the Space Coast Classic Presented by MoonGolf.
From Queens to Competitive Golf
Li said her introduction to golf was rooted in family. Growing up in Queens, she credited her father, a self taught golfer, for getting her and her older sister into the sport. While her sister eventually stepped away from the game, Li stayed with it, developing through New York based programs including First Tee and City Parks Foundation, which she now continues to support through volunteer work and coaching.
Li said those early experiences helped her fall in love with the game while also giving her access to competition in a region not typically viewed as a traditional golf pipeline.
Junior Golf Success and a Championship Mindset
Before arriving at Dartmouth, Li built one of the most accomplished junior careers in New York State golf. She is a two time New York State Junior Girls Champion, winning the title in 2022 and again in 2024.
Li also captured the 2024 UHY Albany AJGA event and added a runner up finish at the AJGA Greenwood Junior Championship. One of the most notable achievements of her junior career came early, when she won the 2019 Drive, Chip and Putt National Championship.
Li described herself as highly competitive and said that learning to embrace pressure helped her elevate her game. She pointed to a multi year rivalry with fellow junior standout Jordan Levit, who will also compete in the Space Coast Classic field, as a major factor in sharpening her mindset and performance under pressure.
Dartmouth Fit and Advice for Young Recruits
Li said she chose Dartmouth because she wanted both high level academics and competitive Division I golf, but also because of the culture within the program. She emphasized that younger recruits should focus less on rankings and more on how well they connect with the coach, teammates, and campus environment.
She credited her first meeting with Coach Kirk for helping her realize Dartmouth was the right place.
Fast Start: Red Bandana Invitational Title and Program Records
Li made an immediate impact in her first collegiate start, winning the Red Bandana Invitational at one over par and capturing the individual title by three strokes.
Her opening round 68 was one of the best rounds in Dartmouth women’s golf history, setting multiple program scoring benchmarks. Li recorded five birdies and one bogey in round one, then held her lead with rounds of 75 and 74 to close out the victory.
Li said she entered the week focused on playing solid golf rather than trying to win, but once she found rhythm early, she stayed aggressive. She admitted that defending a lead was unfamiliar territory, as many of her junior wins came from chasing, but she credited her teammates and coaching staff for helping her stay composed.
Off the Course Leadership and Interests
Li brings a strong leadership background to Dartmouth, with involvement in multiple academic and cultural organizations. She has served in student leadership roles, helped launch cultural initiatives, and continues to work as a golf instructor through City Parks Foundation.
She said she enjoys linguistics, puzzles, and music, and plans to major in economics and computer science.
Event Focus: Space Coast Classic Presented by MoonGolf
Li and Dartmouth will open the spring at the Space Coast Classic Presented by MoonGolf at Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida, a venue known for wind and demanding positioning off the tee.
Li said she is excited for the opportunity, acknowledging that the livestream adds another layer of pressure. However, she also noted she has already competed in televised environments through Drive, Chip and Putt, which should help her feel comfortable with cameras on site.
She expects the field to be highly competitive and views the tournament as a strong early test as Dartmouth begins its spring push.
Final Round CGN Livestream Coverage
CGN will livestream the final round of the Space Coast Classic Presented by MoonGolf on Sunday, February 22, giving fans and supporters a chance to follow Li and the Dartmouth lineup live from Florida.
Career Snapshot
School: Dartmouth College
Class: First Year
Hometown: New York, New York
High School: Hunter College High School
Height: 5 foot 7
Highlights
Two time New York State Junior Girls Champion (2022, 2024)
2019 Drive, Chip and Putt National Champion
2024 UHY Albany AJGA Champion
Red Bandana Invitational Champion in first collegiate start
Lowest first round score in Dartmouth program history
Sources
CGN Interview with Sophia Li
Dartmouth Player Profile
Space Coast Classic Event Page
Final Round Livestream