University at Albany senior Lucia Esteban enters the spring season as one of the most experienced players in the Great Danes lineup, shaped by a lifelong connection to golf in Madrid and a steady rise through MAAC championship competition.

Originally from Madrid, Spain, Esteban said she first picked up the game at age four, growing up in a family where golf was part of everyday life. She described a close family tradition that still continues today, including a weekly tournament held in honor of her great grandfather.

Esteban also credited her early environment in Madrid for exposing her to strong junior competition and elite amateur talent from a young age, which helped raise her expectations for her own development.

Early Development in Spain

Esteban said she spent much of her junior golf time at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, a course located just minutes from her home and known for hosting major events in Spain. She also highlighted her home course in El Escorial, describing it as one of her favorite places to play.

A major influence in her development was longtime coach Martin Cummins, who she began working with around age eight. Esteban credited Cummins for helping shape her game, particularly in putting and technical development. She also emphasized the role of her mental coach, Nurito, who began working with her around age 10 as she started traveling more frequently for tournaments and balancing school responsibilities.

Family Motivation and the Decision to Play in the United States

Esteban said the idea of competing in college golf became real when her older brother Luis moved to the United States on a golf scholarship. Watching that transition pushed her to pursue the same path, with the goal of competing at the Division I level.

She said University at Albany became the right fit due to her connection with the coaching staff and the comfort level she felt from the start. Esteban also noted the travel accessibility between New York and Madrid as another factor that made the decision easier, keeping her connected to home while living abroad.

Lucia Esteban Player Profile
https://ualbanysports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/lucia-esteban/11166

A Career Built Through MAAC Championship Experience

Esteban has been a consistent presence in the UAlbany lineup since her first season and has produced several strong postseason performances during her career. She was named MAAC Rookie of the Year and earned MAAC All Conference honors during the 2022 to 23 season.

She followed with one of the best years of her collegiate career in 2023 to 24, finishing runner up at the MAAC Championship at one over par and later competing in NCAA Regionals.

Esteban continued building on that momentum in 2024 to 25, finishing tied for eighth at the MAAC Championship and again earning MAAC All Conference recognition.

Senior Season Highlight: Winning Through Tough Conditions

During the 2025 to 26 fall season, Esteban earned her first collegiate win at the Le Moyne College Invitational, tying for first place. She described the tournament as one of the toughest weather environments she has ever competed in, battling heavy rain and wind throughout the round.

Esteban said the win stood out as a moment of personal validation, proving she could close out a tournament when the opportunity presented itself.

Leadership and Perspective Entering the Spring

Now in her senior season, Esteban said her mindset has shifted toward fully embracing the experience. She described her final year as a chance to compete freely, without letting highs or lows control her perspective.

Esteban also said the coaching staff has emphasized structured indoor training through the winter, building confidence through drills and competitive practice challenges. She noted that the team is motivated by the opportunity to compete against opponents they do not usually face, especially in a field with deeper national representation.

Event Focus: Space Coast Classic Presented by MoonGolf

Esteban and UAlbany will open the spring at the Space Coast Classic Presented by MoonGolf at Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida. The event provides an early measuring stick against a multi conference field as the Great Danes begin their postseason push.

Esteban also emphasized the personal significance of the final round being livestreamed, as it will be the first opportunity for her parents to watch her compete in a full college tournament from Spain.

Final Round CGN Livestream Coverage
https://cgnplus.com/live/

Space Coast Classic Event Coverage
https://cgnplus.com/space-coast-classic-host-by-moongolf/

Career Snapshot

School: University at Albany
Class: Senior
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
High School: British Council School of Madrid

Career Highlights

• MAAC Rookie of the Year (2022 to 23)
• MAAC All Conference (2022 to 23, 2024 to 25)
• Runner up at the 2024 MAAC Championship
• NCAA Regional competitor (2023 to 24)
• Individual champion at the 2025 Le Moyne College Invitational

Sources

Lucia Esteban Player Profile
CGN Live Page
Space Coast Classic Event Page
Lucia Esteban Interview