Hall of Fame
In the history of NCAA Division I women’s golf, only 19 student-athletes have won at least 10 career individual tournament titles. Idaho great Kayla Mortellaro is on the list. That feat - among her many records, accolades and honors – landed Mortellaro in the Vandal Athletics Hall of Fame and one day may earn her a spot in the College Golf Hall of Fame.
Mortellaro began her collegiate career as the 2008 WAC Freshman of the Year. After compiling 10 wins, two of which were WAC titles, three WAC Player of the Year awards and a school-record 72.8 career scoring average, she finished her career as a two-time All-American and one of the most decorated student-athletes in college golf.
In 43 career starts, Mortellaro compiled 41 top-25 finishes. She finished in the top 10 in 31 events, which ranks seventh in NCAA history. Mortellaro carded 55 career rounds at or under par during her career, ranking in the top 25 in NCAA history. Her 72.8 career scoring average is among the top 50 all-time in college golf.
The Phoenix native is the only Vandal in program history to qualify for four NCAA Regionals, including 2010 when she helped Idaho advance to regionals as a team with an at-large selection.
A standout in the classroom as well, Mortellaro was a three-time NGCA Scholar All-American and named to the 2012 CoSIDA Academic All-District Team. She earned her degree in public relations and garnered the U of I Alumni Award for Academic Excellence as a senior.
Following graduation, Mortellaro reached the highest level of golf. She qualified for the LPGA Tour on her first attempt in December 2012 and went on to make 15 starts on the Tour.
