Leilani McGonagle

Leilani's Remarkable Surfing Journey: Wallex US Open to EDP Vissla Pro

by World Surf League (WSL) North America

Leilani McGonagle enjoyed run through the Wallex US Surfing presented by Pacifico, some of the Challenger Series performers. The Costa Rican started toward a Semifinal finish with a victory over higher-seeded Ariane Ochoa (EUK), who also McGonagle then backed it up with of 32 showing that provided of the event, helping eliminate hopeful Alyssa Spencer (USA).

The 23-year-old continued her incredible flurry to the Round of 16, taking down then ranked Challenger Series No. 1 Isabella Nichols (AUS), now ranked No. 2. A Round of 48 rematch witnessed McGonagle get the best of Ochoa once again, this time in an all-important Quarterfinal matchup. McGonagle looked to be one to beat in the event heading into Finals Day, her first of the 2023 Challenger Series season, against former Championship Tour (CT) star and former US Open of Surfing winner, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS). But, Fitzgibbons was able to regain her ground over McGonagle and the Costa Rican's run fell just short of a Finals appearance.