DeLAND, Fla. -- When Simon Engman left his home in Gothenburg, Sweden to transfer to Stetson University, he was searching for a place that felt personal — a campus where he could grow both academically and athletically. He ultimately found that balance in DeLand, where the close-knit environment and competitive golf program aligned with his ambitions.
"Stetson is a fairly small school, so I liked how personal it felt, especially coming as an international student," Engman said. "It offered the right balance of competing at a high level while getting a strong education, which made it feel like the right fit for me."
Now a key member of the Stetson men's golf team, Engman has built his college experience on discipline, consistency and the support of a tight group of teammates. His journey from Sweden to Central Florida is shaped by lessons learned on the course and in the classroom — and by the people who helped guide him along the way.
Next Up For The Hatters
Stetson men's golf, ranked 67th nationally, returns to action Sunday when it travels to Tallahassee for the the Seminole Intercollegiate at Seminole Legacy Golf Club. Along with the Hatters, the 21-team field includes men's golf programs representing Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Ball State, Boston College, Colgate, DePaul, Eastern Kentucky, Florida Atlantic, host Florida State, Loyola, Francis Marion, Jacksonville State, Lipscomb, North Alabama, Penn State, USC Upstate, Southern Illinois, Southern Mississippi, Troy and Western Kentucky. The field will take on the 7,684-yard, par 72 course, formerly known as Don Veller Seminole Golf Course. In 2020, the course was redesigned under the direction of the Nicklaus Design company. It was originally designed by Bill Amick and opened in 1962. The 54-hole tournament takes place March 15-17 with 18 holes each day.
Finding His Path
Engman's introduction to golf came early, sparked by parents who encouraged him to explore the game. One summer camp at his home club in Sweden remains a defining moment.
"I was about 11 years old, and I remember admiring the older guys who were about five or six years older than me," Engman said. "I told my mom when she picked me up how much I wanted to be like them. That moment became a turning point. I started to practice harder and really take my golf seriously."
That early motivation developed into a steady commitment, with academics and athletics growing hand in hand. "It has taught me to manage my time and focus on the right things," he said. The discipline he developed then continues to guide his approach at the collegiate level.
Building a Collegiate Resume
Engman began his college career at NCAA Division II University of Indianapolis, where he quickly established himself as one of the top young players in the region. He was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year and earned 2024 NCAA Division II PING All-Region honors, accomplishments that set the foundation for his transition to Division I golf at Stetson.
That experience prepared him for the challenge of competing at a higher level and helped ease his adjustment into the Hatters' lineup.
Steady Presence in the Lineup
Engman's work ethic has translated into consistent results for Stetson. He has competed in all seven tournaments this year and posted the team's third-lowest scoring average at 72.3. He recorded nine rounds of par or better and produced one of the team's top individual finishes, placing 9th at the Sam Ryder Ingercollegiate in Daytona Beach — his second-straight top-15 showing this spring.
His consistency builds on a strong sophomore season a year ago, when he finished second among the Hatters and tied for 13th overall at the 2025 ASUN Conference Championships at 4-under par.
The People Who Shaped Him
Engman credits his parents and close friends for providing the foundation that has carried him this far.
"Their constant support throughout my entire life has pushed me to improve," he said. "They have helped shape my work ethic and given me perspective during both the highs and lows of golf and life."
That perspective has helped him emerge as a steady presence within the program. Focused and disciplined, Engman also prides himself on being a supportive teammate. "I try to encourage my teammates and help create a positive and hard-working environment," he said.
Team Culture at Stetson
That mindset fits seamlessly with the culture Engman has found at Stetson.
"Being a part of the Stetson men's golf program has been an incredible experience," he said. "The team is very competitive. We push each other in practice, and we all want to see each other become the best version of ourselves. The group we have right now is very tight, and we truly enjoy working and competing together."
With that chemistry in place, Engman is optimistic about what lies ahead. "What excites me the most is the talent and work ethic," he said. "Everyone is committed to improving and pushing each other. With the support we have, I believe we have the potential to be a very successful team."
Lessons for the Future
Beyond results, golf has taught Engman patience and perspective. "Learning to stay calm and trust the process is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life," he said.
Those lessons are shaping his long-term goals. After college, Engman plans to pursue a career as a professional golfer, carrying with him the experiences gained along the way. "The program has allowed me to compete at a high level and taught me to constantly challenge myself," he said.
For Engman, Stetson is more than just a stop along the way. It is the place where he continues to refine his game, lean on his teammates and chase the next shot.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
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