As the competitive season of golf begins again, UNC Wilmington men’s golfer Josh Woodfox is entering his sophomore year. On the surface, Woodfox appears to be a normal, casually dressed college student. He’s motivated, trying to balance the numerous activities associated with college life.

However, Woodfox is different. He was born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany. After living in Frankfurt for the better part of 18 years, one can imagine the dramatic transition that he has had to make since his enrollment at UNCW. Nevertheless, Woodfox has embraced the opportunity to come overseas and play golf in a new place he now calls home.

 Woodfox’s father was in the Air Force and stationed in Germany during the latter part of his career. When the time came for his father to retire, he chose to stay in Germany instead of returning to the United States. It was there that he met his wife.

As Woodfox grew up in Germany, learning and following the German government and economic ways, golf became a passion for him. His father had always been an avid golfer and began taking him on outings when he was five years old. He’s been playing ever since.

He discovered UNCW through his coach in Germany, who knew coach Matthew Clark, the men’s head coach at UNCW. After talking to Clark over the phone and through countless emails, Woodfox made the decision that he wanted to cross the Atlantic and become a Seahawk.

Leaving his family behind in Germany was a hard decision, but Woodfox has embraced every opportunity that has presented itself at UNCW. Among common freshmen activities, he cites getting familiar with the golf team as a highlight.

While he did not perform to the level he wanted to last year, he hopes to excel during his sophomore year. “I really want to play in more tournaments this year,” Woodfox said. “Last year I could’ve done better. Defending our CAA title and reaching the NCAA tournament are definitely some team goals.”

One of the biggest differences he states about Germany and United States is the broadness of the sports spectrum. “College sports do not even exist in Germany,” he said. “In Europe it is all about soccer 24/7. Here in the United States, you have at least four major sports and golf is very popular in its own right.”

However, even if he were not playing golf for the school, Woodfox is happy to be at UNCW enrolled as a criminal science major. “UNCW is a great place to be,” he said. “Through their academics, athletics and extracurricular activities, you cannot find a weak spot within the university. The way UNCW provides an equal opportunity for all students to succeed, no matter their background, is phenomenal.”

Some students take their college experience for granted. Woodfox is not one of these people. When graduates, he will be faced with a decision of whether he wants to return to Germany or stay in the United States. When asked, he took a while to think before finally answering that he hopes to live in the United States, citing the lifestyle is better than in Germany.

Let’s hope UNCW can continue to support that decision.