Scholarship Spotlight: Cole Cantu
“My golf journey will continue and that’s how I know I have already won.”
Freshman at the University of the Incarnate Word Cole Cantu's journey in golf is more than just a series of achievements; it is a deeply personal and meaningful path that has shaped his character and future aspirations. As the STPGA Junior Golfer of the Year in 2022 and San Antonio City Junior Champion, Cole has demonstrated not only talent but also a profound dedication to the sport.
Growing up in a household of educators, with his mom teaching math and his dad coaching tennis, Cole was instilled with the values of learning and self-improvement. His parents' encouragement to focus on progress rather than outcomes has helped Cole understand that true success is found in steady improvement, both in sports and academics.
Cole has been part of the STPGA Junior Golf program since 2017 during which he has participated in over 70 events. Most recently in 2024 Cole closed out his final season with the STPGA Junior Golf program with three Top 10 finishes in Srixon Billiard Factory Prestige Tour Tournaments. His involvement with the STPGA has not only refined his skills but also helped him make lifelong friends and deepen his understanding of the game's rules and values.
“The STPGA has been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today,” reflects Cole. “Through their support, I've not only gained valuable skills but also formed lasting friendships and discovered my sense of purpose.”
Cole’s passion for golf extends beyond his personal game. Through his work at summer camps at the Dominion Country Club, he has found joy in assisting other golfers, especially younger players, with their development. This experience has sparked his interest in pursuing a future in coaching, where he aims to help others grow in the sport that has given him so much.
As he looks ahead to his collegiate career, he hopes to help the University of the Incarnate Word earn their first conference championship. Cole is a proud recipient of the J.L. Lewis Scholarship, a testament to his dedication and promise in the golfing community. His goal is to pursue a career in the golf industry, centered on coaching and building up other players, ensuring that J.L. Lewis’ passion for the sport continues to inspire others.
“Assisting other golfers with their game is both satisfying and challenging,” expresses Cole. “Seeing the growth and excitement of younger players as they develop their skills is fulfilling and has sparked my interest in learning more about coaching golf later in life.”
For Cole, golf is more than a sport; it is a journey of personal growth and a lifelong passion. He has learned to challenge himself without tying his self-worth to scores or grades, a lesson that has shaped his outlook on life. Winning, to Cole, is about the enjoyment of steady improvement and the journey itself. This mindset is why he knows that his golf journey will go further than his development as a player, and in that, he has already won.
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