Breadcrumb
Golf’s winning mindset at forefront of positive team culture
When Deitrek Gill ’26 arrived at University of the Pacific, his mind was focused on earning his degree in dentistry. Little did he know that one email to Pacific golf head coach John Cook would change the course of Gill’s time in college.
“We didn’t have room at first,” Cook said. “He was coming to school here because he wanted to be a dentist. We challenged him to play in outside events. He did everything we asked, and we gave him a spot on the team.”
Gill, along with the 10 members of the golf team, are focused on a winning mindset on the course.
“The start has been great this year,” said Gill, who has placed top five in the team’s first two tournaments. “Top five in college is super hard to do, especially in back-to-back weeks. There are so many positives from the Navy tournament, but also it was a learning experience for me and the guys.”
The Tigers began the season on a high note, securing a first-place finish at The Goat in Annapolis, Maryland, where the team claimed its first tournament championship since 2014.
“It’s exciting to be able to win,” Timothy Jung ’26 said. “I hope this is the beginning of our ability to fight for more wins down the road.”
While the Tigers proved themselves with recent results, they also have instilled a positive culture around the team. Travis Robbie ’26, one of the new members of the team, quickly found a home at Pacific.
“It’s been the easiest three weeks of my life, moving with this team,” Robbie said. “The coaches have built a great culture. We all get along well. We all want to be here, to compete and to win.”
The coaching staff has noticed an uptick in productivity and camaraderie on the course.
“The team culture is definitely very strong this year,” Cook said. “They push each other. It’s a team atmosphere at Pacific, even though it’s an individual sport.”
As Pacific prepares to host the Visit Stockton Pacific Invitational Oct. 14-16 at the Stockton Golf & Country Club, the team is ready to tackle any challenge that comes its way.
“I’m super excited to play in a home event,” Gill said. “I’m sticking to the process. I’ve stayed on top of school and golf. I’m continuing to grind every day.”
