My name is Tyson Malak. Being a college athlete has taught me more about myself than I ever expected. Golf has always been a big part of my life, and in high school I was the best player on my team. But when I got to college, everything changed. Suddenly I wasn’t the top player anymore, and that shift really shook my confidence. Being far from home made it even harder, and what I thought would be an exciting new chapter quickly turned into one filled with pressure, self-doubt, and sadness. There were times when I struggled with depression, not only from my performance on the course but also from the demands of school and life away from home. At first, I tried to keep it to myself, thinking I could push through on my own. That only made things worse. Friends and family were supportive, but what really helped was realizing that it was okay to ask for professional help. Talking to a counselor gave me the space to be honest about what I was feeling and the tools to handle the stress that comes with being both a student and an athlete. One of the hardest but best choices I made was transferring to the University of Dubuque. It was a leap of faith, but it gave me a chance to reset—not only as a golfer, but as a person. I’ve learned that taking care of my mental health is just as important as practicing my swing or keeping up with my classes. I still care deeply about competing, but I’ve found balance by focusing on my wellbeing first. Being a student-athlete isn’t easy, but the challenges I’ve faced have shaped me into someone stronger and more self-aware. Golf has always been about discipline and focus, but now I know true success means more than what shows up on a scorecard. It’s also about staying healthy—both mentally and physically—and carrying those lessons with me long after college.
