All-Area Girls Golfer of the Year Brooke Riley has committed to Northwestern, one of the top Division I women’s golf programs in the nation.

The East Union junior enjoyed an unprecedented season, finishing tied for third at the CIF State Championships.

Riley reached the final green at Red Hill Country Club with a chance to become the first girls’ state champion in area history. She was tied for the lead with Pioneer’s Sabrina Iqbal at 3-under, but three-putted the 18th to fall back to third.

The bronze finish completed a long but accomplished postseason journey for the three-time All-Area and Valley Oak League MVP. She shared top honors at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters tournament and tied for third at the CIF/NCGA Northern California Regional championship to earn a second consecutive trip to state.

Her performance caught the attention of several top Division I programs, including Cal, Washington and Ohio State. All three were represented at the NCAA Division I Championships in May.

The Buckeyes were seventh, Washington 15th and Cal 22nd.

Instead, Riley chose Northwestern, another Division I finalist.

The Wildcats have finished 15th at the national championship in each of the last two seasons, and enter the spring season ranked eighth in the nation by Golfstat. It is Northwestern’s highest-ever ranking.

The near- and long-term future looks bright for the Big Ten program with Riley now in the fold.

Riley accepted a full-ride scholarship to Northwestern last week, according to The Modesto Bee, after making an unofficial visit.