Senior Derek Zachman enjoyed a stellar 2012 campaign with the University of La Verne golf team in earning All-America and SCIAC Player of the Year honors, along with being selected to the All-Nicklaus Team. This season he has helped lead La Verne to yet another Top 10 ranking and a possible berth to the 2013 NCAA Championships.
Q: NAME THREE ARTISTS ON YOUR IPOD
The Weeknd, Miguel, Drake
Q: IF YOU COULD MEET WITH SOMEONE FROM ANY PERIOD IN HISTORY, WHO WOULD IT BE
I would meet with Abraham Lincoln just to discuss the government at the time, and what was going through his mind during his presidency.
Q: FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT
Bend, Oregon
Q: BEST PART ABOUT PLAYING GOLF AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE
The best part is the family atmosphere. We all have a deep bond and hangout with each other every day of the week. We are not so much a team, but more of brothers. Sounds corny but it is something that I cherish, and look forward to continue as we all get older.
Q: FAVORITE MOVIE
Pulp Fiction
Q: WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT
To be honored on the All- Nicklaus team last season. It shows the best golfers in all of college golf and it was nice to get the recognition for all of the hard work that I put in last year.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR MOST HUMBLING EXPERIENCE
The most humbling experience was my last round of nationals last year. I was near the top of the leaderboard and tried to make a push to see if I could get the 'W'. In the process I pushed too hard and ended up having a tough round. I still finished in 7th, but it showed me to be patient and to not push the envelope.
Q: YOUR FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN GOLF
It is baseball. I quit baseball to pursue golf and I miss it still to this day. I watch every San Francisco Giants game I can and miss the competitiveness that came with each game.
Q: THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOU
Loyal, Competitive, Leader
Q: WHAT CURRENT LEOPARD GOLF TEAMMATE IS THE BIGGEST JOKESTER
I think it is me. I am always joking around on the course and making other laugh. I try to lighten the mood no matter the situation and have a good time. Because at the end of the day the sport we love is just a game.
Q: MOST DIFFICULT CLASS YOU’VE HAD AT LA VERNE
Math 172 with Michael Frantz. I have never had so much homework and such a tough time in the classroom. I am a straight A student and squeaked out of there with a C.
Q: THE BEST THING ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE
The best thing for me is the whole atmosphere. I am from a small town, and it is nice to have the small town feel with the Southern California weather.
Q: DESCRIBE COACH CHRIS DAVIS IN 10 WORDS OR LESS
Huge competitor, with the desire to learn and grow.
Q: GREATEST LESSON IN LIFE THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
The greatest life lesson that I have learned is that life will knock you down and make you want you to quit. It takes a strong person to get up, dust yourself off, and go right back at it. To keep going after your ambitions and reaching your full potential.
