When Hailey Borja rolled back into Michigan, she wasn't sure what to expect. It was her first time being back in the Mitten State since graduating from the University of Michigan in the spring of 2024. Originally from Southern California, Borja wanted to experience new things and felt like the University of Michigan gave her that opportunity.

The emotions started to come out, reminiscing on her time in Ann Arbor and what the state meant to her during her five years.

"This is the first time I've been back since I graduated, so kind of teary when I saw the Pure Michigan sign driving in," explained Borja. "I actually wanted the change in seasons and to actually experience something different. And I mean, it was the best decision I've ever made. I absolutely loved it here. Ann Arbor was just amazing. It's like the most perfect college town.”

While representing the Wolverines, she put together one of the most impressive resumes in program history. She left the program as the leader in subpar rounds (39), second in tournaments played (49), second in top 10 finishes (19), and third in career scoring average (73.30). She was also a five-time All-Big Ten Selection and helped the university secure its first Big Ten Championship in 2022.

The "hometown" support will be with Borja when she tees it up Friday afternoon at 2:09 p.m. local time. Her boyfriend's family is coming to support her, and the 23-year-old plans to venture the hour-long drive to Ann Arbor to catch up with some friends pre-tournament.

With the tournament starting a four-week stretch, athletes find it imperative to participate in off-course activities to free their minds, making Borja wise beyond her years.

"My boyfriend's family lives out here, and so he's gonna come out, and his whole family's gonna come out," said Borja. "Hopefully, some friends. I'll go and see them in Ann Arbor, but I'm not sure if they'll make their way over here, but at least I'll go see them."

The 2025 Epson Tour rookie has made four starts on Tour this season, making the cut in half. She enters the week off her best result in her young career, finishing T28 in the Copper Rock Championship in Hurricane, Utah.

This week will be her first start of three in Michigan, as she is also competing in the Great Lakes Championship and the Island Resort Championship. The three tournaments collaborated to create the Pure Michigan Cup, adding $20,000 of additional money for players to earn through the next three weeks. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation stepped up to help elevate the Epson Tour's time in the state, and the athletes are taking notice.

"I think that's so awesome, and I think that the $20,000 is going to be really beneficial for a lot of players out here," said Borja. "I mean, it sometimes can be pretty hard financially if you're not playing very well, but I think that that's such a good opportunity for all the players out here."

Follow along with Hailey Borja over the next few days here as she tries to take home a trophy near her alma mater.

U of M Grad Hailey Borja Returns to the Mitten State for the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship

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