WATSONVILLE—Monte Vista Christian senior Ryan Slater had three specific qualities he was searching for when picking a college. He wanted a school that had great academics, a good golf team that would give him the skills needed to go pro and a stellar coach to help strengthen his skills. For Slater, the University of Southern California got checkmarks across the board.
Slater, a Gilroy resident, inked his letter of intent to play for the No. 15 ranked Trojans next season at his signing day event Friday at Monte Vista Christian in front of family, friends and teammates.
“USC, in general, has all three of those things,” he said. “They were just fantastic in all of them, so that just worked out really well for me. They just have everything that I want.”
Slater first picked up a golf club when he was barely out of diapers. His parents would bring him to the driving range when was 2 years old to hit golf balls, but it wasn’t until he turned 5 that he got his real taste of the game. His father would place the tees at an age appropriate distance so he could hit for pars and birdies. As he got older, the distances got further and the game got tougher—but Slater wouldn’t want it any other way.
“It’s so hard that I’ll never master it. Everyday it gives me something new to do,” he said of his love for golf. “It’s a constant challenge and adventure with each day. Each day is going to be different. I think just having something new each day to look forward to is just a cool part of it.”
Slater had considered other schools—mostly in the PAC-12—but the atmosphere at USC was the perfect fit. He said he’ll enjoy his senior season with the Mustangs—boys golf hits the course in the spring—but he’s anxiously awaiting his new adventure in SoCal.
“Going away is something that’s really new. Being at the school, being part of the golf team and just being around people like that who are successful and hard working people is going to be really exciting,” Slater said. “It’s going to be a really great atmosphere for me, so that’s what I’m looking forward to the most.”
