Meet the Women's Golf Transfers: Zoe Sprecher, Obi Chan, Madeline Lee

Zoe Sprecher
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Sierra Madre, California
Previous School: UCLA
High School: Arcadia High School
Major: Political Science

Zoe Sprecher joins the Anteaters out of Sierra Madre, Calif., after one season at UCLA, where she competed in two events and five rounds. Sprecher also enjoyed a decorated prep career at Arcadia High School, earning League MVP honors in 2024 and posting five top-five finishes at prestigious tournaments, including three runner-up finishes. She helped lead Arcadia to a second-place finish at the 2022 CIF State Girls High School Championship. Sprecher made an immediate impact in her first tournament as an Anteater, tying for 10th at the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational with an even-par 216 (71-71-74). She tied for eighth in the field with 11 birdies and added 32 pars. Sprecher followed with a tie for 51st with a one-over-par 217 (72-73-72) at the Golfweek Red Sky Classic, carding 10 birdies and 34 pars.

When did you start playing golf?

"I started playing when I was around eight or nine years old. I got the chance to play on my first team, and that's when I really fell in love with it."

Did you have a favorite golfer or anyone you looked up to when you were growing up?

"My favorite golfers are Lloyd Mangrum and Justin Thomas. But I really looked up to my parents growing up, as a family, they are my biggest role models."

Why UCI?

"I picked UCI because of the coaches and my amazing teammate. It's a great school with great academics, and also it's close to my home as well."

What are you most looking forward to this season?

"I'd say I'm most looking forward to hanging out with my teammates, being able to travel everywhere, and making new memories with the team."

What is your favorite thing about UCI so far?

"My favorite thing so far is the environment and the campus, as well as my amazing teammates and the support I get from my coaches."

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Obi Chan
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Hong Kong, China
Previous School: Baylor University
High School: Malvern College Hong Kong
Major: International Studies

Obi Chan joins the 'Eaters from Hong Kong after a decorated prep career and one year of collegiate development at Baylor University. At Malvern College Hong Kong, Chan was named Golf Whole School MVP and Whole School Sportswoman of the Year in 2024-25. She also tied for first at the 2024 AJGA Coca-Cola Junior Championships at the Highlands and competed for the Hong Kong China National Team. Chan opened her UCI career with a tie for 49th at the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational, carding a 229 (79-75-75) with seven birdies and 31 pars. She followed with a tie for 93rd at the Golfweek Red Sky Classic, carding 35 pars and four birdies.

When did you start playing golf?

"I started playing golf when I was around 7 years old."

Did you have a favorite golfer or anyone you looked up to when you were growing up?

"I bounced around a bit with who was my favorite, but I really liked Jordan Spieth. For women golfers, I really like Nelly Korda and Rose Zhang."

Why UCI?

"The academics are great. I love the coaching staff, and the team is very like-minded. So, I'm really looking forward to competing this season."

What are you most looking forward to this season?

"I'm really looking forward to just traveling with the team, making new memories and having new experiences."

What is your favorite thing about UCI so far?

"I really love my team and getting to be a part of it. It's really great."

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Madeline Lee
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Arcadia, Calif.
Previous School: Cal State Fullerton
High School: Arcadia High School
Major: Business Economics

Madeline Lee joins UCI out of Arcadia, Calif., after spending one season at Cal State Fullerton. Lee competed in two tournaments during her freshman season with the Titans. A four-year varsity golfer at Arcadia High School, Lee earned Pacific League First Team honors in 2023 and 2024 after receiving Second Team recognition in 2022. She also served as team captain and was named team MVP. Lee made her UCI debut as an individual at her first tournament, tying for 61st with a 232 (78-76-78) while recording 31 pars at the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational.

When did you start playing golf?

"I started playing golf when I was 11."

Did you have a favorite golfer or anyone you looked up to when you were growing up?

"I really looked up to Viktor Hovland because he always had a good, happy attitude towards golf, and I think that is something that I try to carry with me today."

Why UCI?

"I chose UCI because of the balance of academics and athletics. I think the university pursues both at a really high level, which is what I really value in a university."

What are you most looking forward to this season?

"I'm looking forward to embracing the challenges that golf is going to give me while being able to rely on the community and my team around me."

What is your favorite thing about UCI so far?

"My favorite thing so far is honestly the team and the coaching staff. They're just a really warm community and I think that it is going to be a really good year."

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Schedule

Meet the Women's Golf Transfers: Zoe Sprecher, Obi Chan, Madeline Lee

Players Mentioned

Obi Chan

Madeline Lee

Zoe Sprecher

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Event: Women's Golf versus Pat Lesser - Seattle University Invitational on Oct 5, 2026 at 8 A.M.

Upcoming Event: Women's Golf versus Pat Lesser - Seattle University Invitational on Oct 6, 2026 at 8 A.M.

Upcoming Event: Women's Golf versus Illini Women's Invitational on Oct 12, 2026 at 8 A.M.

Upcoming Event: Women's Golf versus Illini Women's Invitational on Oct 13, 2026 at 8 A.M.

Upcoming Event: Women's Golf versus Alice & John Wallace Classic on Feb 13, 2027 at 8 A.M.

Results

Completed Event: Women's Golf versus Golfweek Red Sky Classic on September 23, 2026 , , Final - 17th (883)

Completed Event: Women's Golf versus Golfweek Red Sky Classic on September 22, 2026 , , Second Round - T15th (592)

Completed Event: Women's Golf versus Golfweek Red Sky Classic on September 21, 2026 , , First Round - 14th (295)

Completed Event: Women's Golf versus 2026 McGuire Invitational on September 15, 2026 , , Final - 11th (896)

Completed Event: Women's Golf versus 2026 McGuire Invitational on September 14, 2026 , , Play Suspended

Meet the Women's Golf Transfers: Zoe Sprecher, Obi Chan, Madeline Lee

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