Victoria and I became fast friends when she stopped by our pop-up bistro at the Shoprite Classic in New Jersey last month. Not only is she rocking it on the LPGA tour, she’s also a passionate foodie! Read below to see what makes her smile and how she likes to fuel her game.

Q: Tell us a little bit about how you got your start?

I was born March 12, 1992 in Dayton, Ohio. I started playing golf as soon as I could walk, though tennis was my main sport until I was 15. After a successful 2007-2008 junior golf season I qualified for the Symetra Tour at the age of 16. I played the following year as an amateur and turned pro in January 2010 when I was 17 years old. I played a total of 4 seasons on the Symetra tour (2 partial seasons, 2 full seasons) before making it to the LPGA. In 2012 I won my first professional event, and at the end of the season, was 3rd on the money list which qualified me to play my rookie year on the LPGA in 2013.

Q: It must be challenging to be on the road so much, what do you to keep you grounded?

One of the first things I do when I get to a new city is explore (and try not to get too lost, though thats part of the fun). Finding out where the locals go is a must. I also try to unpack my suitcase and put all my clothes in a dresser or closet (it helps a ton).

Q: What does game day breakfast look like?

I absolutely love breakfast. I change it up quite a bit. Greek yogurt and fruit are musts for me, omelets, and some sort of carb. The Luvo Oat Bran Ricotta Pancake is my favorite. So yummy.

Q: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your professional career?

The biggest lesson I’ve  learned is to be successful, you have to be a little bit selfish.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

My days off go by so quickly! I love to cook, do a workout that will make me very sore, and clean. Not necessarily in that order. Might be a little boring but those things bring me a lot of joy.

Q: What is the one food you cannot live without?

Berries! I love love love berries. I could live on them. And chocolate. Oh how I love chocolate. The Luvo Fudge Greek Frozen Yogurt Bar definitely satisfies my chocolate cravings.

Q: What is your favorite vegetable?

I eat a lot of veggies. My go-to is plain steamed broccoli, but my favorite is my boyfriend’s brussel sprouts. He makes them with bacon (how can you not love something made with bacon?), onion, balsamic, salt and pepper. My mouth just started watering.

Q: Did your eating habits change when you joined the tour?

I love food, namely carbs but in the last year I’ve been much more cautious about how much and what kind I am consuming. I try to stick to whole grains (minimize white carbs). Also juicing. I do it almost every day. My favorite juice combination is carrot, kale, spinach and pineapple. I’d say the biggest change I’ve made since playing on the LPGA is my mindset on food- I think of it now as fuel.

Q: What advice would you give young girls striving to be a professional athlete?

Four things. 1- its ok to say no. It is something I still struggle with, but you need to do what you feel is best for you and your performance. 2- You must find a balance, that may mean making small sacrifices in your personal life. 3- Sleep! It is so important. Probably the best thing you can do for yourself. 4. Set attainable, yet lofty goals and work, work, work.

Keep tabs on Victoria’s journey on Twitter and Instagram