Kent State of Mind: Isaiah Ibit - My Father’s Influence
3/19/2025 3:41:00 PM | Men's Golf
My dad fell in love with golf when he was in college, and I wanted nothing more than to follow in his footsteps.
Some of my earliest memories are of swinging little plastic golf clubs in the backyard, trying to mimic his stance, his grip, and his swing.
At four or five years old, I didn't know much about the game, but I knew I wanted to be just like him.
As I got older, my dad surprised me with my first real set of clubs.
I'll never forget the feeling.
It was as if he had handed me a key to a whole new world.
From that moment on, golf became more than just a hobby.
It became a passion, a pursuit, and ultimately, the foundation for an incredible journey that has taken me places I never could have imagined.
And through it all, my family has been my biggest support system, cheering me on every step of the way.
A Dream Takes Shape
Growing up in Canada, I watched older Canadian golfers head to the States to play collegiate golf.
Seeing them compete on a bigger stage, representing their schools and honing their skills, was inspiring.
I remember thinking, "If they can do it, why can't I"?
The dream of playing college golf took root early, and I knew that if I kept working hard and playing well, I'd get a shot.
For a while, things were going according to plan.
Before I was even eligible to be recruited, I was playing some great golf.
I started getting noticed by coaches, and I was confident that when the time came, I'd have plenty of opportunities.
But golf has a way of humbling you.
By the time I could actually start talking to coaches, my game wasn't where I wanted it to be.
The attention I had hoped for wasn't quite there, and I started to wonder if my dream of playing at the collegiate level would happen the way I had envisioned.
But I kept grinding, kept believing.
Then, the summer before my senior year, everything changed.
I played some of the best golf of my life, and suddenly, the interest from coaches picked up again.
It was an exciting time—validation that all the hard work I had put in was paying off.
Choosing Kent State
Kent State was the first school I visited, and from the moment I stepped on campus, something just felt right.
The coaches, the culture, the facilities—everything about it clicked.
The team had built a legacy of success, and I knew I wanted to be part of that tradition.
I didn't feel the need to look anywhere else.
I committed to Kent State not long after my visit, and signing my letter of intent was one of the proudest moments of my life.
I couldn't wait to begin my collegiate career as a Golden Flash.
The Freshman Experience
Being a freshman in college comes with its challenges, but my first season at Kent State has been one I'll always remember.
I've worked hard to transition into college golf, and one of the biggest shifts has been my mindset.
I'm no longer just playing for myself.
I'm playing for my team, for my school, for something bigger than me.
That perspective has given me a sense of purpose that's made competing even more meaningful.
This past fall season, I was proud of how I played.
There were ups and downs, of course, but I proved to myself that I belonged here.
Now, as I prepare for the spring season, my focus is on improving.
I know that with the right work ethic, my goals are within reach.
One of my biggest dreams is to be an All-American.
That title carries so much weight, and to be recognized at that level would mean the world to me.
But more than anything, I want to help our team win a MAC Championship and compete at Nationals.
Individual goals are great, but nothing beats winning as a team.
I know we have the talent and the work ethic to accomplish something special, and I can't wait to see what this season brings.
The Little Moments That Matter
Beyond the competition, what I've loved most about Kent State so far are the little moments that make this journey special.
One of my favorite memories was winning the 'Moose Jaw Classic'—a putting competition we had at our facility. My partner and I won by a single shot, and the energy that day was unforgettable.
But it's not just about the wins.
It's the time spent with teammates, the early morning range sessions, the post-practice meals, and the countless laughs along the way.
Golf is an individual sport, but college golf is different.
It's about camaraderie, about pushing each other to be better, about building friendships that will last long after we've played our final round.
Looking Ahead
I'm only in my second semester, but I already understand how fast these four years will go by.
One day, I want to turn professional.
That's the dream.
But I've also learned the importance of being present, of soaking it all in and appreciating each round, each practice and each day spent doing what I love.
The future will take care of itself.
For now, I'm just grateful.
Grateful for my family, for my coaches, for my teammates, and for this opportunity to chase my dreams.
I don't know exactly where this journey will take me, but I do know one thing:
I can't wait to find out.
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