BUIES CREEK, N.C. – For Isabella Hahne, the recruiting process that led her to Campbell University really didn't take that long.  In fact, she made her decision in about two weeks.
 
"I never really considered (Campbell) as an option, but quickly realized that I wanted to go here," said the senior from Kungsbacka, Sweden, a community of about 20,000 residents located outside Gothenburg.  "I started my recruiting process the middle of January and I was committed at the end of January.  I don't know if I considered that many other options."
 
One of the top college-bound female golfers from her native country in the recruiting class of 2022, Hahne was already familiar with Campbell and its athletic program.  One of her best friends since she was 10 years old, Izabella Grimbrandt, was in her freshman year at Campbell, and Hahne also knew Anna Nordfors and Sanna Lundmark from junior golf in her home country.
 
"When I started talking to Coach (John Crooks) I just liked so much about the place and the way he talked about the way he coaches his players. It was a gut feeling that yes, this feels right.  They had the degree and the program I wanted to study, the golf course is nearby, I knew that I could bike or walk to practice, and I'm from a very small town outside of Gothenburg, so I do like that small town, community, the familiarity of everyone knowing each other."
 
Hahne didn't take long to become one of the top collegiate golfers in the region.  She was named Big South freshman of the year in 2023, won the Sea Best Intercollegiate individual title in just her fifth start for the Camels, helped lead the team to a conference championship and finished tied for 11th at the NCAA Raleigh Regional.
 
Over her first three seasons, Hahne amassed the eighth-lowest stroke average in Campbell's 37-year women's golf history and posted six top-10 finishes in her first 30 outings.  Along the way, she earned all-league honors twice, finished among the top 15 golfers in 3-straight conference tournaments and collected WGCA All-America Scholar recognition in 2025.
 
Hahne is truly grateful for the opportunity that Campbell University – and an athletic scholarship – has provided.
 
"My scholarship means so many things," said Hahne.  "I get to do what I love. I get to play golf. I get to be with my friends here. It has given me a new place, a home, people that I will care about, probably throughout my lifetime. It's given me so much more than just my sports. Coaches who have always done everything they can to support me. I get a degree, great professors who help me and do everything they can to support me."
 
The generosity of Fighting Camel fans, alumni, family, and friends truly makes a difference in the lives of student-athletes at Campbell University.  Through the newly created Women's Empowerment Fund, the Fighting Camel Club's goal is to make that experience even better, specifically for our female student-athletes.  To join the Fighting Camel Club, click here.
 
An early start
One evening when Isabella was just five years old, her father, Per-Oskar, took her to a driving range.  From that moment, she became fascinated with the game that eventually led her to Swedish national club championships and the chance to compete overseas against some of the best collegiate golfers in the world.
 
"I even dreamt about the golf course that same night and talked in my sleep about my shot on this one hole," Isabella recalls.  "Apparently, I just got stuck to it immediately and set dreams and goals from the first minute."
 
The fact that she lived across the street from Forsgarden Golf Club meant that access to a place to practice and play would not be an issue.  Her father and Forsgarden professional Henrik Dihne are close friends to this day and have traveled on a number of golf outings.
 
Isabella tried other sports, including soccer and swimming, and even competed in the pool until she was about 14 or 15 years old before making the decision to focus her attention on the course.
 
It was around that time she realized that she could continue to hone her golfing skills in the United States while earning a college degree.
 
"Growing up in Sweden, a lot of young golfers want to go to the States to play," said Hahne.  "I knew girls that had gone over and some of my friends were going over and it made sense to me to do the same thing they did."
 
The Swedish Golf Federation encourages its top junior players to study and compete in the States, and Hahne's club at the time – Hills Golf Club – had produced players who competed on the Junior Ryder Cup and Junior Solheim Cup teams and went on to play collegiate golf.
 
"That culture (at Hills) made me want to come here even more, because I wanted teammates to practice and compete with," Hahne said.
 
Her junior resume included six top-10 finishes in World Amateur Golf Ranking events, including a win at the 2021 Delsjo Swedish Junior Open.
 
Why Campbell?
Hahne's decision to attend Campbell was made easier by the fact that she knew a number of Swedish golfers – including Grimbrandt – who were already playing for Coach John Crooks in Buies Creek.
 
"I knew Sanna (Lundmark) and knew Bella (Grimbrandt)," said Hahne.  "Bella and I grew up playing together, I've known her since I was 10, 11 years old. Anna (Nordfors) is from my hometown.  I knew of Campbell, but never really knew I'd end up here."
 
Crooks' coaching style and the fact that she would be able to interact with multiple Swedish players from both the men's and women's teams were also points that led Hahne to her ultimate decision.
 
"I liked (the idea) of having Swedish people here that it would sort of feel like home," she said.
 
Learning from a Hall of Fame coach
Crooks was inducted into the National Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006, and he stands second in NCAA Division I women's golf history with 100 tournament coaching wins.  His women's teams have won 19 conference titles and advanced to NCAA postseason play on 26 occasions in 35 years.
 
But those accolades were not all that drew Hahne to want to compete at Campbell.  His coaching style also appealed to the young competitor.
 
"Coach really tries to bring out the best in all of us as people and as golfers," said Hahne.  "Most of the time when he's coaching me, he just reminds me of what I'm supposed to do. It could be any type of strategic plan during the round, or any type of club selection.  He serves as a reminder of how I'm supposed to use my strengths rather than being a bit more defensive."
 
During tournaments, Crooks and his assistant coach must divide their attention over five players, who may be playing three or more different holes at the same time.  Hahne says that Crooks gives advice with the intention that his players will remember to make the correct decisions, even when he is not watching.
 
"He can't be around every hole, every tournament, but he taught me a lot about how I'm able to deal with that myself," said Hahne.  "Whenever he shows up, he reminds me of staying in the process and keep doing what I'm supposed to do.  He's very good at supporting, trying to help us with whatever needs to be improved.  He does what a great coach is supposed to do – supports us both on and off the course."
 
A mindful approach
For many experienced golfers, the biggest challenge to playing well lies in a player's mental approach, rather than physical gifts.  Hahne chose an academic major – psychology – that helps her understand why humans act, or react, in a particular manner.
 
"I feel like I've always been interested in why we act like we do, why we behave like we do," said Hahne, who also is a triple minor in sociology, criminal justice and health and wellness.  "In my own perspective.  I wanted to know why I act a certain way, why I behave a certain way in different situations.  As an athlete, it's super important to know what your tendencies will be during a round, what you'll be stressed about, start thinking about.  That's why I got into (psychology) in high school."
 
Following graduation next May, Hahne plans to compete on the Ladies European Tour (LET) Access tour, then in the LET Q-School in the fall of 2026.   After her playing days are over, she intends to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist.
 
"I've always been interested in what's right and wrong, and why people who have abnormal behaviors or disorders might act against the law sometimes, or sometimes not," she explained.  "What's the difference between people and their background and your background."
 
Given the time required for a Division I collegiate athlete to train, practice, compete, travel and study – not to mention taking care of daily life responsibilities like eating, sleeping and laundry – one might wonder why Hahne chose not one, not two, but three minors.
 
"I'd much rather study something that I'm passionate about and something I like," she said.  "I decided that even if this is extra work, it's something I want to do."
 
A positive outlook
Whenever and wherever Hahne competes, she takes the opportunity to get to know or get reacquainted with her fellow competitors.  After the players tee off, Hahne oftentimes can be seen walking down the fairway and engaging her playing partners in light conversation.
 
In fact, throughout the course of a round – which often includes ups (birdies) and downs (bogeys) – a casual spectator would be hard pressed to know just how well – or how poorly – Hahne's round might be proceeding given the fact that she is most often smiling and exchanging pleasantries with those around her.
 
She even has taken the opportunity to exchange language lessons with players from all over the world, including Pimchompoo "Pinky" Chaisilprungruang, a native of Thailand who plays at Charlotte.  Like Isabella, "Pinky" is known throughout college golf circles as someone who not only enjoys the competition, but also who loves to see her fellow competitors do well.
 
Hahne and "Pinky" were paired together for the season opening Clemson Tiger Classic and the pair had a great day.  While Chaisilprungruang shared individual honors, Hahne tied for 10th at 1-under par.
 
"It's fun to make new friends, have fun and stay positive," said Hahne.  "I feel like that gives me more energy than being upset if I was doing bad.  Pinky is adorable.  (At Clemson), she tried to learn some more Swedish. She's just one of those players who is fun to be around."
 
Not only does Hahne enjoy the social exchanges on the course, even in the thick of competition, but she believes those chats help her perform better.
 
"I would consider myself very social and I love being around new people and people that I know. I love to socialize," said Hahne.  "It gives me energy and also helps me distract myself from whatever is happening on the golf course. If I'm playing good or bad, you don't want negative thoughts going off in your brain.  You get to meet a lot of people and some of them you get to see again because you play similar events."
 
Through the years, Campbell golfers have arrived in Buies Creek from all six inhabited continents throughout the world.  Coach Crooks has recruited players from right down the street (Braxton Wynns, Brett McLamb) to Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, South Africa and all over Europe, North and South America.  Many other collegiate teams have a similar approach to recruiting – go find the best players, not matter how far they must travel to get to campus.
 
Hahne embraces the chance to make acquaintances with her fellow golfers from all over the globe.
 
"You realize when you start talking to people that you have a lot in common," said Hahne.  "Either they're European as well, or they've been to the same country you've been to in the summer. That's nice that you have stuff in common."
 
But Hahne's approach to tournament golf isn't just about how keeping a positive attitude impacts her score.
 
"I've always had the perspective that no matter how well I do, I want to be remembered as someone who's positive and gives more than what someone takes energy-wise," she said.  "It's an opportunity for all of us in college golf. There's not a lot of people who get to experience this, and it's very important to be positive, no matter how you do performance-wise, you should be grateful for the opportunities you have being here."
 
Beyond golf and studies
Most collegiate golfers spend the bulk of their summer vacation practicing their craft and competing in tournaments in order to improve or stay sharp for the upcoming season.  Hahne is no different than her teammates and fellow competitors in that regard.
 
However, over the last two summers, she has added a part-time job that may not be a typical vacation pursuit for a student-athlete.  Her psychological studies certainly help her relate to a number of individuals in her job.
 
"I've worked in a nursing home for the past two years whenever I'm back home," said Hahne.  "I do everything (the residents) need help with. I take care of them and get them out of and into bed at night, I give them food. You help them when they go to the restroom, everything they need help with.  Most of them have either physical disabilities or dementia, either Alzheimer's or Parkinson's."
 
At Campbell, Hahne is in her third year of involvement with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in general and the international student subcommittee in particular.
 
"The international events we host are important to recognize the students that have moved across the world to be here," she says.
 
Beyond serving as a resource for her fellow student-athletes, Hahne realizes the important role that she and her fellow Camels play on campus and the surrounding community.


"Not everyone grew up with the same opportunities that we did, a lot of us are fortunate in that way," said Hahne.  "We should be very grateful for what we have and should give back to people that don't have that opportunity.  Being part of the community and giving back to the people around us, that's one of the main missions of SAAC."
 
Hahne is quick to name her parents – Per-Oskar and Victoria – her family and coaches at Campbell and back home (Henrik Dihne and Rikard Fors), plus her professors as those who have played instrumental roles in helping her reach her goals, and she is quick to reel off memorable moments from her first three years in school.
 
The obvious highlights are winning a conference title, an individual tournament trophy and reaching the NCAA regionals twice.  Beyond those, Hahne also cherishes the moments that she's been able to spend with her teammates in and out of competition, but one memory still stands out from her first week on campus.
 
"One of my best memories that I still hold very close was my second day here," she recalled.  "I had just moved in with two of my suitemates from the swim team, Abby (Lederer) and Aleigha (Scherber) and we went to the river to go paddle boarding with my roommate Silka (Solomon).  It was Silka's 19th birthday, and it meant a lot to have that type of day early on, and it's extra special because Silka and Aleigha aren't here anymore."
 
Success followed by challenges
While Hahne was enjoying a standout freshman season in 2022-23, she developed tendonitis that ultimately resulted in tendinopathy in both elbows.  During the summer of 2023, she was unable to do anything golf-related other than putting for six weeks.  As a result, her sophomore season was not as successful by her previous standards.
 
"I got so bored," she said.  "I can't sit still for a day; it makes me anxious and stressed. I need to do stuff, doing productive things whether it's golf or school.  I did some fishing with my Grandpa and was able to take the time to be with my grandparents and go out on the boat with them."
 
During her recovery and rehabilitation, Hahne drew inspiration from her close friend Grimbrandt, who has endured two surgeries during her collegiate career.
 
"Bella went through two surgeries, just seeing her go through that, her attitude is just an inspiration in general," said Hahne.
 
Last season, Hahne not only posted her best finish – runner-up at The Southern – since her freshman campaign, but Hahne also earned All-CAA honors.
 
Her goals for 2025-26 are simple.
 
"I want to win individually again. That's been one of my main goals, to get back into that feeling, that experience, that all of your work pays off," Hahne admits.  "Every year we have a team goal to win conference, that's even now more important since we've moved to the CAA. We want to prove to ourselves.  I would love to go to regionals and we want to make it to nationals. That's very challenging of course, but in all of our minds that's the end goal."
 
Beyond college graduation and professional golf, Hahne would like to pursue a graduate degree in psychology back home in Sweden.
 
As for advice for an incoming student, Hahne simply says to be open-minded, keep a positive outlook and not afraid to ask for help.
 
"Be open minded, open to the differences," she said.  "It's not going to be the same as it is back home for any of us.  Be open to new people, different opinions. Enjoy it, have fun, be positive.  Make the most of the time you have here. Don't be afraid to ask for help, whether it's from a professor, coach or teammate.  Be true to yourself, be true to what you believe in, why you're here, your purpose of being here, make the most out of opportunities you get."
 
Q&A with Isabella Hahne
 
Ideal foursome: Annika Sörenstam, Rory McIlroy, my dad (Per-Oskar), and me
 
Most difficult course I've played: Barsebäck Ocean Course
 
Favorite Course: Vallda GK
 
Course on my Bucket List: St Andrews Old Course
 
Best golf advice I've been given:  There are no shortcuts to success - Annika Sörenstam