When we think of a 'professional athlete,' we often picture a life of luxury and privilege. However, the reality is often far from this, especially for those striving to make it to the LPGA Tour. Daniela Iacobelli, a 36-year-old professional golfer in her 14th season, is a prime example of this. Her journey is a testament to the financial challenges that many professional athletes face, challenges that are often overlooked.

The veteran has spent time on both the Epson and LPGA tours, graduating through the Race for the Card program twice to earn LPGA Tour membership. You would think everything was going great if you saw Iacobelli on the course during any of her rounds. The four-time Epson Tour winner has an infectious personality that resonates with everyone around her, from playing partners to local volunteers she may only interact with for a few seconds. Regardless of the time you spend with her, you always seem to remember the interaction, and this is shown by the number of supporters she has at each event she plays in.

This week is different, though. While the Floridian is still her joyful self, she is playing for much more than just a trophy this week at the Hartford HealthCare Women's Championship. Earlier in the week, Iacobelli informed Monday Q Info on Twitter that her girlfriend was admitted to the hospital, but she does not have the financial means to skip a week to be with her. Her reaction fits her personality to a tee, telling Monday Q, "I am just going to win this week" so she could help pay for some of the bills.

An amazing story developing on @EpsonTour

Daniela Iacobelli called me Wednesday, her girlfriend was in the hospital and she was devastated she couldn’t be with her.

“I don’t have the financial means to skip a week” she was teary eyed.

“I’m just going to win this week” she…
— Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) July 13, 2024

She has lived up to her word through 36 holes, battling through weather delays and tough course conditions to card rounds of 66 and 67 to hold the lead by three shots with the final round to play. Two weeks prior, the Florida native lost to Kathleen Scavo in a 6-hole playoff at the Dream First Bank Charity Classic. Her game is clearly rounding into form, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who wants to win a tournament this week more than her.

"A win would feel indescribable,” Iacobelli said after the second round. “There are a lot of hours that go into this. A lot of moments you miss at home. A lot of highs and lows. Right now, it's a high, no matter what the outcome today."

Daniela Iacobelli Playing for More Than Herself at the Hartford HealthCare Womens Championship

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