Rossi Representing Argentina in South American Games this Week

East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State women’s golfer Valentina Rossi took a break from her collegiate season with the Spartans and flew home to Argentina over the weekend as she and her countrymates traveled to Paraguay earlier this week to compete in the South American Games.

Rossi, who has represented her country on the international stage in other events, said the feeling of donning her country’s colors never grows old.

“It’s such an honor and I’m really excited,” Rossi said over the phone from Paraguay.  “I hate to be away from my teammates during the season, but you don’t get these opportunities that often and to head out on the course wearing the colors of Argentina is something that means a lot to me.”

The South American Games, which run from October 1-15, includes 53 sports (40 of which are also on the program for the Paris 2024 Olympics) and will host many Olympians and Olympic champions. Argentina is one of 15 countries competing in the South American Games, joined by Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Rossi, who was selected to play by the Argentina Association, finished her practice round for the Games on Tuesday and the golf championship will be held from Oct. 5-8.

Aside from getting to play her sport and represent her country, getting the opportunity to play in an Olympic-style event has been quite an experience. 

“It’s really exciting for me to compete here (at the South American Games),” she said. “I’ve never played in an event with so many sports outside of golf so that is, for me, the best part. Being with other athletes, seeing their sport and to learn not only from my sport, but theirs is something I’ve never experienced.”

While she missed being with Michigan State teammates in a recent event, she knows that they are supporting her, just like her friends in Argentina support her during the American college season.

“Playing for my country is super special,” Rossi said. “Not only because I’m playing and representing my country, but also because most of the times the competitions are with a team and I really like that. And when I play for Argentina, I receive so many texts and messages supporting us and that’s awesome.”