ANTHONY SHARKEY / ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

The University of San Diego men’s golf team placed eighth at this year’s West Coast Conference (WCC) Championship. From April 25 through April 27, the Toreros traveled to the Green Valley Country Club in Fairfield, Calif. to defend their title. In the previous season, the Toreros won the 2024 WCC Championship, which was their first victory in the competition since 2008. Unfortunately, the team wasn’t able to repeat their success this year. USD first-year Cooper Humphreys hails from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada and was named the 2023 Pacific Northwest Golf Association player of the year. Humphreys was candid about the team’s results. 

“Coming into the WCC Championships we were feeling good and were excited to defend,” Humphreys said. “To be honest, we are very disappointed with the result, but that is part of golf, and we see it as an opportunity to grow and be more prepared for regionals.”

USD sophomore You Seong Choi tied for ninth place at the WCC Championship. Photo courtesy of @usdgolf/Instagram

From Golf, Page 1

Despite the disappointment surrounding the WCC championship, the Toreros have had a strong season. The USD Golf team placed first at three competitions this season, winning the Visit Stockton Pacific Invitational, The Prestige and the Nick Watney Invitational. 

In addition, USD sophomore You Seong Choi had a standout season. At the WCC championship, he dropped a top 10 finish individually. In January, Choi was named in the 2025 WCC Preseason Men’s Golf Team. Choi has carried over individual performances from last season — he finished top five on three separate occasions. 

The Torrey Pines course that the USD men’s golf played at in January. Photo courtesy of @usdgolf/Instagram

“My main takeaway from being on the team is how important it is to communicate and trust each other,” Choi said. “When we all work together and support one another, we perform so much better. It’s really about being there for each other.” 

USD graduate student Jaden Cantafio brings a wealth of experience to the team. He weighed in on the season thus far. 

“The season has been great, a lot of fun memories,” Cantafio said. “There’s been some recent tournaments that haven’t gone quite how we would’ve liked, but we are always able to learn and apply it to the following week. We are looking forward to NCAA regionals.”

Cantafio transferred from Washington State University this past year after playing four seasons with the Cougars. Cantafio helped the team place fourth at the El Macero Classic earlier in April. His individual performance landed him in the top 10.  

“[Transferring] was one of the best decisions I’ve made to come and play here,” Cantafio said. “The support that we have from our coaches, athletic trainers and academic support is amazing, and [I] couldn’t be more thankful for all of them.” 

The Toreros are led by Head Coach Evan Emerick and Associate Head Coach Sam Foust. This is Emerick’s first season with the Toreros, but he brings a lot of experience to USD golf. Emerick previously played and coached for the San Diego State University golf team. During his 15 years with the Aztecs, he led them to three NCAA Championship appearances. He also recruited successful players, including eight-time PGA Tour winner and 2020 Olympic gold medalist Xander Schauffele. 

In each of Foust’s four seasons at USD, including this current one, the Toreros have made an appearance at the NCAA Tournament. 

“At NCAA Regionals there is always a lot of pressure,” Foust said. “Everything you have done that season to that point is out the window and only the top 5 teams at each regional tournament advance to the NCAA Championship. Our biggest key to success will be staying in the moment and playing ‘one shot at a time.’”

USD Coach Emerick cheering on athletes. Photo courtesy of @usdgolf/Instagram

Under his leadership, the men’s golf team earned six team wins, as well as five individual first-place finishes since 2021. 

The Toreros strive to cultivate a culture of winning; they have achieved success and expect success. An underwhelming result at the WCC Championship isn’t enough to deter Torero athletes. 

“One thing that golf has taught me is that nothing is ever perfect,” Humphreys said. “You have to roll with the ups and downs and stay positive.” 

Humphreys also commented on what pushes him and the pride he has for USD.

“What motivates me to play golf is to win,” Humphreys said. “I love representing this school and competing with this team, and [I] want to win for them as well.”

The Toreros have fostered this same atmosphere of pride and    gratitude    within their ranks.

“I’ve made lifelong friends on this team it’s truly a blessing to be a part of this program and represent this university,” Cantafio said. 

The season isn’t over yet. The NCAA regionals for men’s golf are right around the corner. On May 12-14, the Toreros will travel to Bremerton, Washington where they’ll fight to earn a spot in the NCAA national championship. The Toreros have never won an NCAA regional, so this month they’ll look to make their mark on the big stage.

All of the USD golf athletes who competed at the West Coast Conference Championship. Photo courtesy of @usdgolf/Twitter