CGN+ Player Highlight and Interview: Leia Chung’s Remarkable Comeback Leads to Boise State History

Boise State fifth year golfer Leia Chung has become the program’s career leader with five individual tournament victories, including three during the 2025 to 2026 season following a serious back injury.

The Wahiawa, Hawaii, native missed the entire 2024 to 2025 season after suffering a lumbar spine fracture that required surgery. She returned to win the 2026 Mountain West Championship, becoming Boise State’s first individual conference champion since 1993.

Chung joined CGN+’s Bobby Goldstein to discuss her recovery, collegiate accomplishments, mental approach to competition and future aspirations.

Leia Chung Career Highlights

• Career Individual Victories: Five, the most in Boise State women’s golf history.
• 2026 Mountain West Championship: Won at 5 under 211, becoming Boise State’s first individual conference champion since 1993.
• 2025 to 2026 Season: Three individual victories, a 72.24 scoring average and All Mountain West First Team honors.
• Kim Moore Spirit Award: Received the award following her return from injury.
• 2026 NCAA Stanford Regional: Tied for 24th at 4 over 217, setting Boise State regional records for score and finish.
• 2026 Kalispel Invitational: Won at 4 under 212, capturing her fifth career individual title.
• 2026 Clash at Boulder Creek: Finished second at 12 under 204, including a round of 64.
• 2026 Jim West Challenge: Tied for fifth at 4 under 212.
• 2023 to 2024 Season: Established Boise State’s single season scoring average record at 72.10.

From Hawaii to Boise State

Chung began playing golf at age three after her father introduced her to the sport and became her swing coach.

At Leilehua High School in Hawaii, she won a state championship as a freshman, captured three Hawaii State Junior Golf Association titles and won the Michelle Wie Tournament of Champions in 2019 and 2021.

After her initial college commitment did not work out, Chung reopened her recruitment during her senior year. She connected with Boise State’s coaching staff and committed during her campus visit.

Chung recorded two top 10 finishes as a freshman before improving her scoring average from 74.48 to a program record 72.10 during her sophomore season.

She credited that improvement to a stronger mental approach, focusing more on the process of competing rather than individual results.

Overcoming Injury and Returning to Competition

During the spring of her sophomore season, Chung suffered a lumbar spine fracture while weightlifting.

The injury eventually required surgery and forced her to miss the entire 2024 to 2025 season.

During her CGN+ interview, Chung discussed the physical challenges of rehabilitation and uncertainty surrounding her return to competitive golf.

She credited her surgeons, Boise State’s athletic trainers and her family for supporting her recovery.

The experience also changed her perspective on golf, helping her appreciate the opportunity to practice, travel and compete alongside her teammates.

Making Boise State History

Chung returned in 2025 to 2026 and won three individual tournaments, establishing a Boise State single season record.

She captured the Golfweek Fall Challenge at 14 under 199, the New Mexico State Golf Iconic Classic at 9 under 207 and the Mountain West Championship at 5 under 211.

Her conference victory made her Boise State’s first individual champion since 1993.

Chung also earned All Mountain West First Team honors, received the Kim Moore Spirit Award and qualified individually for the NCAA Stanford Regional, where she tied for 24th at 4 over 217.

Record Setting Start to the 2026 to 2027 Season

Chung continued her success during fall 2026, recording three top five finishes and helping Boise State establish multiple program records.

At the Kalispel Invitational, she captured her fifth career individual title with rounds of 73, 70 and 69, finishing at 4 under 212. Chung won by two strokes, while Boise State claimed the team championship by 14 strokes at 3 under par.

At the Jim West Challenge, Chung tied for fifth at 4 under 212, recording her 12th career top 10 finish. Her 36 hole total of 139 ranked tied for eighth best in program history.

She also finished second at The Clash at Boulder Creek, shooting 12 under 204, the second lowest 54 hole score in Boise State history. Her round of 64 and 36 hole total of 134 both ranked second in school history.

Boise State finished second at 39 under par at Boulder Creek, establishing program records for 18, 36 and 54 hole team scores.

During her CGN+ interview, Chung discussed how her individual consistency and the team’s success reinforced her confidence following her injury comeback.

Looking Ahead to Spring 2027

Chung is pursuing studies in accountancy and finance while completing her fifth year at Boise State.

Following graduation, she hopes to pursue professional golf, potentially beginning in Japan, where she has family. She also views accounting as a possible future career.

With five individual victories and several program records, Chung enters her final spring season focused on maintaining her consistency and contributing to Boise State’s team success.

Sources:

Leia Chung | CGN+ Player Highlight and Interview

Player Profile: Leia Chung | Boise State Women’s Golf