This time last year, Pat Sanchez was brand new to the Marquette golf team. This season, he comes in as one of the leaders of the pack, despite only being a sophomore.

The Mazatlan, Mexico native proved a statistical leader for the team in 2012. He posted the Golden Eagles’ lowest score in four of ten events last season, was one of only two to play in every event, shot the lowest individual round of all MU golfers, 68, and was selected as an All-Big East Conference selection.

Over the summer, Sanchez hit the golf course to get his body and mind sharp for the season.

“I was practicing physically and mentally, and just tried working on getting good position and exercising,” Sanchez said.

Before coming to Marquette, Sanchez played on the Mexican Junior National Team from 2006-2012. Before college he had to choose between playing for the national team or attending Marquette.

“I would play for the Mexican national team, but it interferes with the university team,” Sanchez said. “Playing for Marquette was more important.”

Sanchez will use the leadership skills he developed last season to unite the team and produce lower numbers on the scorecard.

“(We) should be able to put together a good team,” Sanchez said. “I feel that this year we’re putting together a really good team and should be showing better results.”

In addition to leading on the golf course, he also excelled in the classroom last year. Sanchez was named to the Big East All-Academic team and will keep studying hard this season.

“I have some good goals for myself this year,” Sanchez said. “But I also want to better my grades. I want to work on school and my grades.”

Sanchez studies international business and supply chain management. He said it’s a really good fit for him and he really enjoys what he is learning in his classes.

“Business is a good choice for me, especially because I’m bilingual,” Sanchez said. “I’m also looking to learn another language. I want to take advantage of that … that’s what I really like.”

In both the classroom and on the golf course, Sanchez wants to keep laying his impressive groundwork. He said he wants to improve in all areas of his life during his time at Marquette.

“Over the next three years, I want to keep getting better and better,” Sanchez said. “I want us to come closer as a team. Personally, I want to keep playing events and have myself get better every time.”