The Professional Golfer and Vintage Miu Miu Enthusiast Turning F1 Paddocks into Fashion Runways

      For a long time, the world has placed athletes into narrow categories. Their sport comes first, and anything beyond that is seen as a distraction. This was evident when Lewis Hamilton first ventured into fashion and more recently, when Paige Bueckers was called out during her "summer world tour" before her senior year at UConn. Today’s top and most recognizable athletes embody more than just one identity. For instance, consider Lily Muni He. She has been playing golf since she was five years old—essentially her entire life. Now at 26, the sport her father introduced her to in Chengdu, China, has evolved into more than just a passion. “It’s my job,” she explains over a Zoom call at the end of September. "Loving it as a sport and having it as a job can often feel very different.” After her family moved first to Vancouver when she was nine and then settled in San Diego, He became serious about pursuing a professional golf career. “Adapting to and embracing the lifestyle is crucial, and I faced challenges with that at the start of my career,” she admits.

      While He considers California her home, she spends little time there. This LPGA season alone, she has traveled across the U.S., visiting places like Portland, Oregon; Maineville, Ohio; and Boston, Massachusetts, along with international courses in Shanghai and northern France, not to mention her appearances at various Formula One events. As the longtime partner of Williams driver Alex Albon, she is often seen in the F1 paddock, showcasing a blend of sought-after vintage Miu Miu and Roberto Cavalli alongside sold-out items from Bottega Veneta and Hermès. He exemplifies the modern-day renaissance woman, balancing a professional sports career with personal relationships and a rising fashion career. Fortunately, her love for all her pursuits makes it easier to manage them.

      ON GOLF: He mentions during our discussion that it’s her first day back since early June. “I make it a point to reconnect with my love for the sport,” she shares when I inquire about preventing burnout. “Playing solo helps; I really cherish that aspect of tranquility. For me, it serves as therapy.” When her schedule permits, she gets friends together for rounds, avoiding competitors to share the experience. “We often get overwhelmed by it all,” she reflects. “Golf can be frustrating—missing a shot can lead to deep disappointment, so it’s essential to remember that it’s just a game.”

      According to He, two decades of playing golf has provided her with valuable lessons beyond mere technical skills. “Mistakes are part of every round and every hole; accepting what you can’t control is vital,” she says. Consequently, she feels better equipped to navigate frustration, errors, and strong emotions. “It has made me more patient in life as well,” she observes. “It’s incredible how much golf has influenced my life.” She adds that her current identity and everything she does are closely intertwined with the connections she’s formed through golf—friends and even her relationship. “I consider it a blessing to still be able to enjoy the game I’ve loved since childhood in my future,” she remarks.

      Yet, golf does have its challenges. Being a woman in a predominantly male sport poses difficulties for He. “Many country clubs restrict female members or enforce stringent dress codes,” she points out. “There are noticeable double standards between men and women in the sport, which took me years to recognize and unlearn.” While challenging, this realization has been empowering for her. “Defying the stereotypes has been a significant journey for me,” she says. With the growing visibility of women’s sports and women’s golf in particular, she notices positive changes. “There are many more young girls and women taking up golf,” He shares. “The ultimate goal is to get more women involved and interested in golf and all sports.” Although she acknowledges the long road ahead, she remains optimistic, stating, “That doesn’t mean we aren’t making progress.”

      ON LIFE OUTSIDE OF GOLF: Though golf is vital to her, it isn’t her sole focus, and she constantly seeks balance in her life, even if she hasn’t perfected it yet. “I recognize that my current lifestyle is quite unconventional, and likely not sustainable long-term,” she confesses, but she is content. “I cherish everything I do—my sport, my relationship, and my brand outside of golf—hence, it can get hectic.” Perhaps due to the patience and serenity gained from her sport, she understands that her numerous commitments won’t always be the norm. Priorities may shift at different times, yet she is currently comfortable with a touch of chaos. “Next year, I aim to prioritize personal time more,” she acknowledges. “Spending time at home, resting, and being with family and friends—those have been overlooked in the past two years, and I’ve come