Like many collegiate athletes, Stetson University golfer Jackson Hicks grew up immersed in sports.

Raised in Roswell, New Mexico, Hicks spent his childhood bouncing from baseball diamonds to tennis courts to football fields, driven by a love for competition and the satisfaction that comes from hard work. Golf didn't immediately stand out. In fact, it wasn't until his mid-teens that the sport truly captured his attention—but by then, the groundwork had already been laid.

"When I look back on my journey up to this point, I think about everything I was doing when I was a kid," Hicks said. "I was obsessed with multiple different sports. I didn't really know I was going to be a golfer until I was like 16 or 17."

That late realization didn't slow his progress. Instead, it sharpened his focus. Hicks carried lessons from every sport—how to handle failure, how to savor success, and how to stay disciplined—into golf. What resonated most was the grind.

"It was just the passion for hard work that really keeps me going regardless," he said.

Now at Stetson, that same mindset fuels his pursuit of excellence both on the course and in the classroom.

Next Up For The Hatters
Stetson men's golf returns to action Monday when it hosts the Sam Ryder Intercollegiate on the Hills Course at LPGA International in Daytona Beach.  Along with the Hatters, teams from Appalachian State, Baylor, Campbell, Central Arkansas, Columbia, Florida Atlantic, Georgia State, James Madison, Lipscomb, North Dakota State, Rhode Island, Toledo and UTEP will tackle the on the 6,984-yard, par 72 Arthur Hills Course in Daytona Beach.  The 54-hole tournament takes place March 2-3 with 36 holes on Monday and a single round on Tuesday.  Rounds begin with a shotgun start each day at 8 a.m.  Live scoring is available by clicking here.

Finding the right fit at Stetson
During the recruiting process, Hicks knew one thing for certain: he wanted to play college golf in Florida. When he first spoke with Stetson head coach Danny Forshey, everything clicked.

"After my very first conversation with Coach Forshey, I realized this was the right place for me," Hicks said. "I could hear in his voice that he wanted to win and that he was going to develop me as a player and as a person no matter what. I trusted him."

That trust, combined with Stetson's academic reputation, sealed the decision.

"I'd read about the excellence of Stetson's academics, and I was excited about that, so that was just a plus," he said.

The balance of high-level competition and strong academics was exactly what Hicks was searching for—a place where growth extended beyond golf.

Faith, family and mentorship
Hicks credits much of his perspective on both life and golf to his father, Travis.

"My dad has provided a constant reminder my whole life that not one moment—or even a string of moments—defines you," Hicks said. "He's also reminded me time and time again that all we are called to do in this life is to love one another and glorify God."

That foundation has allowed Hicks to approach the game with gratitude instead of fear, focusing on effort and opportunity rather than outcomes.

Mentorship has continued at Stetson, where Coach Forshey has played a pivotal role in Hicks' development.

"Coach Forshey is a perfect example of someone who has had a significant impact on me," Hicks said. "He has sparked a passion for mental fortitude and determination that I did not have previously."

Together, those influences have shaped a mindset rooted in accountability, faith, and continuous growth.

Defining moments and competitive drive
One of the most defining moments of Hicks' young career came at the NJCAA regional championships at the end of his freshman season. With his team in contention for a spot at nationals, the pressure was undeniable as he stood on the final tee.

"My coach told me on that tee box that I needed something special, and I was determined," Hicks said. "I ended up chipping in for eagle from about 20 yards out. That was the most special moment of my career up until that point."

The moment didn't just change a scorecard—it changed his outlook.

"Since then, I live for situations like that," Hicks said.

It also revealed the kind of teammate he strives to be.

"I would say my personality is endearing and passionate, but also competitive and hard-working," he said. "I'm the guy who wants to bring people together and create a family all working toward the same thing."

Building a brotherhood
For Hicks, the Stetson men's golf program has become more than a team—it's a proving ground.

"This program will expose the weakest parts of you and turn them into the strongest," he said.

Under Coach Forshey's leadership, the Hatters have built a culture rooted in accountability, competition, and trust.

"Through Coach Forshey and the program he has built, we have all seen the strongest and weakest sides of each other but still choose to push each other harder every day," Hicks said. "That atmosphere has created one of the strongest brotherhoods I've ever been a part of."

That unity is what excites him most about the season ahead.

"What excites me the most is the lack of selfishness in this group," Hicks said. "Each and every one of us wants success badly, but we want it just as badly for the next person."

With several teammates nearing the end of their collegiate careers, the urgency is unmistakable.

"For some of us, this is our last ride and our last chance to do it for each other and for Coach," he said. "If we continue to lean on each other, I truly believe we'll have great success."

Lessons for life
Golf has provided Hicks with lessons that reach far beyond the fairways.

"Golf is the ultimate game of life," he said. "It has exposed the weakest parts of me and put them right in the spotlight. It continues to teach me mental strength, balance, inner peace, and true belief in myself."

Looking ahead, Hicks plans to continue competing at a high level.

"My goal is to keep playing golf competitively," he said. "I'm addicted, frankly, to self-development, and I find the most of that in golf."

He also hopes to use the game as a platform to share his faith.

"I plan to continue developing my abilities while spreading the good news of Jesus Christ in everything I do," Hicks said. "Stetson has given me the opportunity to grow in my faith and to self-reflect."

Supported by his family—his father Travis, owner of Richland Auto Group in Roswell; his mother, Tomi Dix; and his siblings Madeline, Mason, and Catherine—Hicks remains focused on the journey ahead.

"This school and the people in and around it have only confirmed that I love what I'm doing," he said. "And I love the journey golf has taken me on."