Preston Cox '18 Recruiting Profile

 My name is Preston Cox and I am a rising senior year at Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas. The purpose of my letter is to express an interest in your collegiate golf program. Allow me to introduce myself…

My goal is to play at the next level and believe I have the game to get there. When I want something, I go and get it. I have the desire to become something great in life. I know I am coachable, have relentless work ethic, and love to compete.

In all humility, I want be a man who leaves a legacy. I believe in myself, and know I can accomplish something great in my life on and off the golf course. Don’t hear me wrong, I like to help others, and I’m a good teammate, always trying to put myself in their shoes to know what they are going through.

I come from a family of smart and faithful people. My parents are great leaders, and as a result of my childhood, I matured quicker than most kids my age. My parents divorced when I was a young man, and yet they remain great friends to this day. They’ve raised me to be a trustworthy young man and to tell the truth. I’ve learned from past mistakes, none of us is perfect, but I’m striving to be the best I can be.

As an athlete growing up playing every sport, I was very competitive. I hate losing, maybe even more than I enjoy winning. I chose basketball as my route in 8th grade. I was the only freshman to make the JV roster, and averaged 20 points a game as a sophomore on the varsity team. Some felt that was a big deal at a big 5A school here in Texas. For me, it was expected. I worked hard. But I didn’t love the sport.

That’s where the game of golf comes in… it is truly my passion in life. The summer before my junior year, afters shooting 93 in my first every tournament, I met a man who took on a role in my life that will last forever. He came to me after I had put in a practice session on the range and asked me who I was, and why I was spending so much time working on my game. Truly, I didn't have an answer, and it made me think… why was I investing so much in a sport I didn’t even play competitively?

As I continued to think about what he said, my mind started to dream… maybe I could make it in the game of golf! I would be a late bloomer, but if I didn’t jump in and try to make it on the golf course, I knew I would drown on the basketball court. My coach, CT Steckel, a PGA Teaching pro at Stonebriar Country Club, challenged me to try out for my high school team going into last year. He’s more than a coach, he’s like a LIFE coach, he loves me unconditionally. So, I asked my parents what they thought about that idea, and as I expected, they didn’t approve.  They wanted me to pursue basketball, however, I just couldn’t do it anymore.

Despite their fear that I was throwing my talent away, I chose to pursue the game of golf with a reckless abandon. I knew my work ethic could never be questioned, as I’ll outwork anyone, and so I jumped in with both feet. To the surprise of many… at fall qualifying I finished second on the team. I played in every spring tournament including districts, finishing with a stroke average just over 78.

At our season ending banquet, I was awarded the Iron Man and The Newcomer of the year awards for our team. The Iron Man is given to the hardest worker and the most dedicated. Achieving this was a great feeling, especially knowing where I had come from… and it was really cool to see how my parents have responded since.

This past summer I have posted multiple tournament rounds of 72, 73 and 74. The latter was shot in the Texas State Open qualifier at Stonebridge Ranch. I’ve created a swing that can repeat itself. My short game is solid because I spend endless hours refining it. I’m dedicated to changing my body and adding muscle and weight. As my tournament experience grows, my nerves are calming. I’m in this to win.

I am capable of making something of myself in the game of golf and life. I can't describe how bad I want it, but I hope this letter gives you some insight. Nothing will hold me back from achieving the goals I have set for myself. I’d love to explore any possibilities there may be of continuing my career playing for you.

Thank you for taking your time and reading this.