Men’s golf junior Joo-Young Lee has put together a successful third season, adding on to his impressive legacy at NIU.

In 11 tournament starts this year, Lee has put together seven top-25 finishes and three top-10 finishes, including earning co-medalist honors at the Desert Shootout last month in Goodyear, Ariz.

Originally from Hillard, Ohio, Lee began his collegiate golf career at Xavier University before transferring to NIU his sophomore year. The junior has a great relationship with teammates and coaches, but he said there are other parts of playing for NIU that stand out to him.

“Our schedule is awesome because we play the best courses in America and PGA Tour venues,” Lee said. “It’s just a lot better here overall.”

Lee said he is not yet satisfied with his accomplishments and still believes he has a long way to go. With one year left in his college career, the junior feels he hasn’t reached his peak yet.

“I would definitely want to reach regionals as an automatic qualifier,” Lee said. “Definitely making the NCAA’s would be the biggest goal, along with the All-American team as well.

Every part of my game has gotten a little better since freshman year. I’ve been working really hard on getting better at putting, chipping, and the rest just follows.”

Lee has come along nicely with the Huskies since transferring, become one of the team’s top players. He placed 15th at the MAC Championships in 2015 and earned MAC All-Academic honors to end the year.

“I think he’s beginning to establish himself as one of the best players in the conference,” said NIU Head Coach Tom Porten.

Lee and the Huskies await the MAC Championship, which begins on April 28. If the Huskies advance, they’ll participate in the NCAA regionals starting May 16.