From Fairways to Foxholes: Isabella Benedict's Path to Army Leadership

Isabella Benedict is breaking stereotypes as a female leader and embodying true dedication through her dual roles: an Army ROTC cadet at California State University, Long Beach, and a golf course attendant. Her story is a testament to discipline, perseverance, and character.

Fairways to Foxholes: Meet Cadet Benedict

On a sunny afternoon at Recreation Park 18, the golf course hums with the easy rhythm of tee-offs. Behind the counter in the pro shop, Isabella Benedict greets players with warmth and efficiency. To most, she's simply the friendly attendant who keeps things running smoothly.

But when Isabella leaves the course, her world changes. The polo shirt is replaced with camouflage, the golf visor with a patrol cap. She is a cadet in the Army ROTC program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), rigorously training to become a U.S. Army officer.

Raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, Isabella’s move across the country for college was a leap of faith, reflecting her drive to carve out her own path. At CSULB, she found that path in ROTC—a program demanding early mornings, grueling physical training, leadership labs, and field exercises that test every ounce of resolve.

Unmatched Commitment: Balancing Two Worlds

The Army ROTC program at CSULB, known as Bravo Company, pushes students to their limits. Cadets master endurance and agility in pre-dawn sessions and navigate simulated combat scenarios in leadership labs.

Yet Isabella approaches it all with the same determination she brings to the golf course. She is well-liked by her peers, respected by her coworkers, and admired by those who see her commitment firsthand. Her ability to excel in such demanding roles shows true character.

Long Beach Golf News spoke with Isabella about managing her packed schedule:

LBGN: With so many commitments on your plate, from school to ROTC to mentoring, what would you say has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in balancing it all?

Isabella: My biggest challenge I have is time. Anyone who knows me knows I am super busy all the time. I always plan my weeks out two weeks or two months out. I work full time at the golf course and put in many hours for ROTC, but I still find the time to mentor for a local elementary school in LB and take 18 credits at CSULB. Time is one of the most valuable things to me and planning it out helps me so much.

Leading by Example and Breaking Stereotypes

As a woman in a program still dominated by men, Isabella is breaking barriers. Her presence in ROTC challenges assumptions about who belongs in uniform and highlights the growing role of women in military leadership.

LBGN: Do you feel extra pressure to prove yourself, or do you see it as an opportunity to lead by example?

Isabella: I like to use the pressure as motivation to improve myself and show the younger cadets that there is always room for growth. I understand I’ll never be perfect as a leader and honestly that’s where my humility steps in. Leading by example is one part of the army I always consider. People do as they see, especially when I am their leader amidst it all.

Finding Her Swing and Looking Ahead

Isabella has recently taken to the game herself, spotted taking a few swings at Recreation Park 18. Her natural swing is a reminder that even in the middle of a demanding schedule, she finds ways to enjoy the environment she works in.

Upon graduation, Isabella will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Her path will involve leading soldiers and taking on responsibilities few her age are prepared to shoulder.

LBGN: What do you want to do in the Army?

Isabella: Possibly just Military Intelligence officer, but also considering Combat Engineer officer with a detail of Military Intelligence.

Conclusion: Investing in Future Leaders

The contrast between Isabella’s two worlds—civilian and military—makes her story compelling. One moment she's handing out scorecards; the next, she's leading a squad. Her work ethic, academic commitment, and dedication to ROTC all point to the same conclusion: she is on her way to becoming not just a capable officer, but a leader others will want to follow.

The CSULB Army ROTC program is about building leaders of character, resilience, and service. By supporting this program, you are investing in the next generation of leaders like Isabella, who will serve with honor both in uniform and in their communities.

Isabella Benedict is proving that leadership can be forged anywhere—so long as you have the drive to chase it. We are proud to share her story.

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