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Coach’s
son plays own game Sophomore Adam Rubinson, who played soccer from the time he could walk, has grown into a golf player who was ranked as high as 14th nationally in mid-March. David Rubinson, TCU head soccer coach and Adam’s father, said his son became interested in golf by accident. He received his first set of golf clubs at the age of 6 as a Christmas present, and he immediately showed some ability with the sport, his father said. “He showed great strides, but I still didn’t know where it was going,” David Rubinson said. “I was a soccer coach, and (my son) fell in love with golf.”
Adam said he didn’t want to disappoint his father by quitting soccer at the age of 13, but eventually decided that playing golf was more enjoyable for him. “I got burned out with playing soccer,” Adam Rubinson said. “As I got older, I didn’t enjoy it as much. Golf was a lot more fun, and I think in soccer you have to run (too much).” The decision for Adam Rubinson to stop playing soccer was supported by his family. David Rubinson said he knew Adam made the right decision because he never had to push his son to practice. “I was willing to work with him,” David Rubinson said. “He was born with gifts, but just like any other quality athlete, he worked hard at it.” The golf team classifies Adam Rubinson as a leader because of his scores and his motivational attitude. Junior golfer Steve Shuert said that Adam Rubinson stands apart from the crowd because he helps alleviate the pressures associated with golf by being a consistent team player. “You know that you can depend on him to shoot a good score,” Shuert said. “Knowing (this) makes it easier for everyone else on the team. (His leadership ability) is not only with scoring. His mental toughness and positive attitude filters through to everyone.”
Coach Bill Montigel said Adam Rubinson is a leader because the team
respects the hard work he puts into his game. Adam Rubinson said he learned how to be a leader from his father. “My dad has always told me to lead by example,” he said. “Whether or not (I lead by example) is up to (my team). If people do follow my example, that is what I hope for.” Adam Rubinson prepared for his leadership role by redshirting his sophomore year in order to improve his stroke. He said after doing well in several junior tournaments in high school, he anticipated the same results in college. “After playing golf in high school, I expected to come in doing the same,” he said. “But college courses are tougher and more demanding.” Adam said he practiced with his swing teacher and made a conscious decision to become more focused. Montigel said Adam Rubinson has a better ball strike and has improved his score by three to four strokes. Montigel said Adam Rubinson’s greatest improvement is his emotional development. “During his freshman year, when he had a good round, he was on a high, and when he had a bad round he was disappointed,” Montigel said. “Now he is even-keeled and not always on an emotional roller coaster.” Adam Rubinson said as long as he continues to work hard, he can achieve his personal goal of competing as a professional golfer. “I would like to make millions just like everybody else, (but right now) I play one shot at a time,” he said. “That concept is what the whole season is based on.”
LaNasha Houze |
