Freshmen reenergize a locker room and bring a new level of competition to a team. 

Talent, athleticism and commitment are some traits that Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Men’s Golf Head Coach Scott Sullivan looks for while recruiting. Being someone who fits into the culture, works hard off the field and is respectful to others factors heavily into recruiting as well for Sullivan. 

Two freshmen from Mexico, Yael Chahin and Pablo Diaz Del Castillo fit that description.

“They’re very committed. They’re committed to doing the best that they can do,” Sullivan said. “They’re going to help drive the other players with their play.”

Diaz started his golf career at a young age, taking after his uncle who was a professional golfer.

“I loved it from the first time I played. At 10 I wanted to start taking it more seriously,” Diaz said.

Chahin started a little differently, playing tennis for seven years before switching to golf when he was 13. His goal from then on was to play collegiate level golf.

Chahin and Diaz’s decision to come to CMU was influenced heavily by coach Sullivan and the high performance of the team.

“We came in knowing we might not be able to play this season because of COVID but I just love this place,” Diaz said. “[Coach Sullivan] really cares. You can tell he cares.”

CMU Men’s Golf Team placed third at RMAC Championship in the 2018-19 season. They were 20 shots behind Colorado School of Mines who took first place over the three-day tournament.

“[The goal for this year] is to win RMACs and compete at the national championships,” Sullivan said. “I think they’re going to be able to help us right away.”

Chahin and Diaz have high hopes for the season too. Their goal is to win regionals in the spring, take the RMAC championship and go to the NCAA Division II championships.

For now, the goal is to adapt to the new culture and school.

“It’s all-new. New language, new people and a new school,” Chahin said. “I want to prove to myself that I can play really good golf in places other than Mexico. ”

Chahin and Diaz are looking forward to bringing their culture to the team. They won’t be the only international players on the team either as they join senior Dane Ang from Singapore. 

“It’d be cool to have a variety of cultures on the team so we can all learn from each other,” Diaz said.

Chahin and Diaz are ready to show what they can do and the impact that they can have on the team’s performance.

“I’d like to push myself and the team. We want to prove that we can be the best team in Division II. I want to be the best team in Division II,” Chahin said.