U.S. WOMEN'S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

August 8, 2026

Gabriella Nicastro

The Honors Course

Quick Quotes

Q. Okay, Gabi, so, another longer day. Do you want to just talk about your mindset going into today way back in the morning?

GABRIELLA NICASTRO: Yeah, it would start off really early this morning. I had to finish my match that we only got through seven holes, so that was my main focus this morning, just try and get though that match. And I did successfully, so that was nice.

But then I had to go to my next match and it was just -- it was a good match but, yeah, it's -- this is physically and mentally exhausting. Just a super long day. I played I don't know how many holes, heck of a lot of holes.

And then my next match we just finished just nine. It's been a lot of fun. But yeah, it's been a long day that's for sure.

Q. You last played in 2024 in Southern Hills. You made it to the round of 64.

GABRIELLA NICASTRO: Yes, ma'am.

Q. How does it feel now making it to the quarterfinals and semis?

GABRIELLA NICASTRO: It feels really good because I'm not the best at match play. I prefer stroke play. So feels good to get that monkey off my back and win the first match in the round of 64 and just kind of keep that momentum going.

I'm going to try and do that tomorrow, too; see how it goes.

Q. I know this year in 2024 you won the Alabama Women's State Am to get into this championship.

GABRIELLA NICASTRO: Uh-huh.

Q. Now that you're in the semifinals you are exempt into next year at Pinehurst.

GABRIELLA NICASTRO: Really?

Q. Did you know that?

GABRIELLA NICASTRO: Somebody said that but I couldn't figure out if that was 100% true. Now I know. That's really exciting.

Q. How do you feel about that getting to play in North Carolina next year?

GABRIELLA NICASTRO: It feels amazing. Pinehurst is so amazing. Historically just so much history there. Yeah, that's is a awesome. I'm glad to learn that news right now. That's pretty sweet.

Q. Heading into tomorrow, nine more holes left in this match. How are you feeling? What's going to be on your mind?

GABRIELLA NICASTRO: I think just try and play as solid golf as I can. Hit a lot of greens and hopefully the putter will obey and do a good job. But, yeah, main thing is just try and get a lot of the sleep because I am definitely tired after getting up at like 5:00 in the morning this morning.

Q. Playing the No. 1 seed right now. What's kind of your overall mindset about tackling an opponent like Anna?

GABRIELLA NICASTRO: I think you just got to play solid golf. Just fairway, green, and just like boring golf, which I had been but I hadn't been making the putts. That's what really kills me. If I can try and make the putts I think it'll be good tomorrow.

But, yeah, especially fairways and greens, fairways and greens, No. 1 thing.