Cindy Barrera

A Passion for Golf and Competition

Cindy Barrera, a passionate golfer and competitive spirit from Santa Fe, NM has excelled in the in the New Mexico Senior Olympics Summer Games and will be competing in the National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa from July24th – August 4th. This marks her first year competing in the National Senior Games, a huge milestone in her athletic journey, after qualifying in a golf tournament in Las Cruces. Barrera’s love for the sport began when she was just 14, golfing with her mother and father, both avid players. Golf has long been a family affair, and Cindy continues to carry on that tradition with every swing.

Although she is a multi-sport athlete, competing in shuffleboard and cornhole at the state level, Barrera is prioritizing golf for the national games. Due to scheduling conflicts between the events, golf remains her main focus. “I’m a huge golf fanatic, and when I saw the Senior Olympics ad at my local senior center in Santa Fe, I just had to give it a try,” she recalls. Her enthusiasm for the game is evident, and it wasn’t long before she earned a spot in the National Senior Games.

Barrera’s golfing journey has been marked by hard work, determination, and love for the game. She cherishes her memories of playing with her parents, particularly with her mother, until health issues prevented her from continuing. This deep-rooted connection to the sport has shaped Barrera’s dedication to her craft. Living in Santa Fe, she enjoys favorable weather conditions for about six months of the year, allowing for regular practice. During the colder months, she travels to southern New Mexico, visiting places like Socorro, Truth or Consequences, and Las Cruces to continue training in more ideal golfing conditions.

Through her experience with the New Mexico Senior Olympics, Barrera has formed meaningful connections with others who share her love for the sport. She encourages her friends from the senior center and her fellow members of the Santa Fe Country Club Women’s Golf Association – where she serves as vice president – to get involved. The community aspect of the games has been one of her favorite parts, helping her stay motivated and focused.

Looking back on her journey, Barrera recalls some of her fondest memories of the NMSO: the joy of playing golf with wonderful people, achieving personal goals like winning gold, and having the opportunity to compete on a national stage. For Barrera, this is just the beginning of what promises to be an inspiring journey in the world of senior sports.