Men's Golf 4/2/2020 4:09:00 PM

Senior Spotlight: Blake Hathcoat and Kent Kao

Twice weekly we will highlight spring sport senior athletes on their careers at Saint Mary's.

MORAGA, Calif. — Today's edition of Senior Spotlight focuses on the men's golf team with Blake Hathcoat and Kent Kao spending time to share their fondest memories while at Saint Mary's.

Flashing back all the way to before their freshmen years, Hathcoat and Kao reflected on what drew them to the university tucked back in the hills of Moraga in the first place.

"I knew Saint Mary's was the school I wanted to attend the moment I stepped on campus for the first time," remembered Hathcoat. "Not only was the team and coaching staff something that attracted me to the program but the environment and academics as well. Saint Mary's creates a sense of community that I would not have been able to predict and I am thankful to have been able to spend my college career here."

"Saint Mary's is a very close-knit community, something that I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else," added Kao. "Over the last four-plus years, I have gained friends in classes and on the team. We became a family."

The sense of community that the seniors felt extended out of just the classroom and was felt within the golf team itself. "No matter what time of day it was, there were at least a couple guys willing to hang out and do anything," said Kao. "We helped each other, whether it was with golf, academics, or life. We had each other's backs then and we will continue to have each other's backs."

Hathcoat, who has been a regular in the Gaels' lineup ever since his sophomore season, had high praise for this year's team and the bond experienced within the group. "This team was a special group. Not only were we one of the strongest teams I had been on at Saint Mary's, we got along the best. We always had a great time at practice and when we traveled to tournaments."

As he usually does, head coach Scott Hardy had his Gaels playing at a high level once again this season and the team was listed at No. 59 in the country in the most recent Golfstat rankings. SMC would've been a strong contender to make their sixth straight NCAA Regionals and had just posted solid results at the Lamkin Grips San Diego Classic earlier in March.

Like many other student-athletes at the college, Kao found himself shocked and in disbelief after hearing the news the season had been canceled and grappling with the fact he would not return to the course with his teammates.

"I didn't believe it when I first heard it. For more than a week, I couldn't come to terms with it. I was speechless and felt like it was a bad dream. Even after talking to my teammates and others, I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I was done with college golf. I thought I had more time to play with my teammates."

While the news was undoubtedly disappointing for the seniors, they made time to reminisce on their favorite moments while in college and unsurprisingly, they both discussed memories of community and friendship.

"My favorite memories at Saint Mary's are traveling with the team to tournaments, especially ones in the postseason. Each time we went to Regionals it was a blast," said Hathcoat. "The team is always very excited when we are on the road and we have an energy that brings everyone together."

Kao added, "One of my most favorite memories at Saint Mary's was obtaining friendships that will last a lifetime. Going to classes, hangouts, workout, practices, and tournaments connected us in ways that I will remember forever."

While the days of collegiate golf may be behind Hathcoat and Kao, the duo has no intention of putting the clubs away for good. Whether it be professionally or recreationally, the seniors both plan to keep playing the sport they love moving forward. They commented on where they hope to see themselves in five years from now.

"No matter what career path I take, I plan to include golf in my future" said Hathcoat "I plan to continue working hard on the golf course, and seeing where it will take me. In five years, I see myself competing on the PGA tour."

"In five years, I see myself having a successful job with a high salary," Kao remarked. "I can see myself playing golf in my free time, as golf will always be a part of my life."

Come back to SMCGaels.com on Tuesday to read the next Senior Spotlight feature!

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Players Mentioned

Blake Hathcoat: 5' 11"; Senior

Kent Kao: 5' 10"; Redshirt Senior

Players Mentioned

Blake Hathcoat
: 5' 11"; Senior

Kent Kao
: 5' 10"; Redshirt Senior