The Gate June 2018 | Page 11

Xavier Marcoux Verbally Commits to Rutgers University GET TO KNOW XAVIER MARCOUX It is no wonder that Rutgers University made the enormously talented rising senior such a high priority in their recruiting efforts, where BGGA’s Marcoux verbally committed as a junior. “Xavier sets no limits on himself, and balances the demands of school and sport with ease,” said Nick Duffy, BGGA Senior Golf Coach. Outside of class and golf, Xavier has been commended for his outstanding service work, particularly with the Alzheimer’s USA Association, for which he raised over a thousand dollars during his junior year. Xavier received High Honor Roll awards at Montverde Academy and was recognized as BGGA Student of Year in 2017 for his help and support of others, for demonstrating the highest of personal integrity, moral and ethical character and for being a strong leader. Positively impacting lives through service to the community is one of BGGA’s key values. It happens every day as BGGA student-athletes like Xavier are serving and mentoring while they are learning and training. What or who drives you to do your best at golf and in life? I’m driven by a dream I’ve had ever since I started playing golf. I’ve always dreamed of being on the PGA tour and being one of the best golfers in the world. This drives me every day because I always have something to drive toward, and it has given me a sense of motivation ever since I was a kid. What went into your choice to attend Rutgers? A lot of factors went into my choice to attend Rutgers. I wanted to play Division I golf at a power 5 school where I could compete at the highest level, and Rutgers gives me that opportunity. Education is one of the most important things to my family and Rutgers is a very good academic school. Also my chemistry with the coaches and the team was amazing which helps a lot. Dream job post-college? My dream job would be to play on the PGA tour and compete against the best golfers in the world for a living. That would be the best job ever. Tell us about raising $1,215 for Alzheimer’s USA Association. It was an honor for me to be able to raise money for this organization as my family has been affected greatly by the disease. Both of my grandmothers have Alzheimer’s so to be able to raise money for the cause was a great honor for me. How has BGGA impacted your game? BGGA is the reason I’m where I am today. It gave me the opportunity to play year round and get the best coaching available which, along with my work ethic and the facilities we have access to, is what brought me to the Division 1 level of golf. What have you enjoyed about your BGGA experience? What I have enjoyed most about my BGGA experience is meeting people from different countries and getting to understand the different cultures where they come from. It has definitely been a cool experience getting to know and live with people from all over the world. My best memories from BGGA are going on road trips to away tournaments, especially this past year going to Atlanta two weekends in a row was very fun. Which tournament would you most like to win? I would most like to win The Masters. You will go far Xavier Marcoux! Go Scarlet Knights! THE GATE | 11