228 The Harding golf team consisted of many international students in the 2022-23 season. Eight of the 12 golfers on the men’s team and four of the nine golfers on the women’s team were not from the United States. These athletes represented five different countries including England, Germany, Mexico, Spain and Sweden. Men’s and women’s head golf coach Dustin Howell talked about how Harding maintained a base of recruiting players overseas. “I’ve got players from all over the world, and I don’t have the recruiting budget to travel around the world,” Howell said. “Thanks to the information age, you can share videos, and you can speak to people across platforms. I have trusted sources of people that continually recommend what I’m ultimately looking for: obviously talented people, people that can benefit from Harding University, but most importantly, people that are the right fit here.” These international players brought new perspectives and ways of improving their game. Howell spoke of the benefits that both the American and international athletes received from a blended team. “In golf, I see the benefits in the exchange of culture, playing style and work ethic,” Howell said. “I find that my American players are more creative on the golf course. I find my international players are more dedicated … My American players will push that creativity to internationals, and internationals will drive the Americans.” Junior Alicia Martinez was an international player from Tarragona, Spain. She talked about her unorthodox journey to becoming a collegiate athlete at Harding. “In my junior year of high school, I was contacted by a sports agency called AGM Education, which helps student athletes study in the United States while playing their sport, to see if I was interested in studying at an American university while playing golf,” Martinez said. “I really loved the idea and decided to start with the process … Before coming here, I had no prior knowledge of Harding University, but after researching and speaking with the golf coach, I was impressed with the golf program and decided to attend this university.” Jake Croshaw was a senior from Loughborough, England. He mentioned the benefits of a diverse team. “We have a good bunch of guys who get along,” Croshaw said. “It’s also cool to learn about each other’s cultures and see the differences to your own.” Similar to how these athletes benefited from studying abroad in the United States, the coaches and American students benefited from knowing them. Howell talked about what he learned from coaching so many international athletes. “The world is bigger than Searcy, Arkansas,” Howell said. “[Having international players] broadened my perspective. It’s so easy to think in just one direction … I want [my players] to think differently.” Written by: Ethan Conn GOLFERS International students represesnted their home countries while playing golf for Harding University. THE GLOBE JUST KEEP SWINGING Freshman Pilar Martinez swings at the ball. She helped the women’s team win the National Preview during the golf season. Photo courtesy of: Dustin Howell around
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==