Hometown Connection Helps Velasquez Transition from Colombia to Michigan State

By Jauwan Ward
For msuspartans.com

Michigan State freshman golfer Juan Velasquez is a long way from home these days.

He moved to East Lansing from his hometown – Floridablanca, Colombia – and is the youngest player on MSU's roster.

During the course of his freshman year at MSU, he had to figure out his way as a new student, a new player, being in a different country and not really knowing anyone, and yet, he adjusted seamlessly with his teammates.

Velasquez has been playing golf since he was 10, and fell in love with the game.

Coming to MSU was a big leap of faith, spurred by a friend from his hometown. That connection, former Michigan State women's golfer Valery Plata, helped develop his interest in the men's golf program.

It turned out the interest was mutual, as Velasquez's skill drew the eye of MSU's coaching staff during his participation in U.S. tournaments in the Fall of 2022, and they wanted to learn more. He instantly connected with MSU during his official visit in November that year and committed without hesitation.

"I knew this was my place, so I committed immediately; it was extraordinary," Velasquez said.

Velasquez impressed quickly, landing in MSU golf's starting line-up due to his play.

"Being in the starting lineup during my first year was exciting," Velasquez said. "Transitioning from junior golf to college golf is a significant change. In Colombia, golf is a rare sport, so I came here without expectations, just trying to do my best."

Velasquez gained respect for his golfing skills in high school and has demonstrated this year, which aided him in both his cultural and athletic translation.

"Athletically, I was recognized for playing golf in high school," Velasquez said. "Just like here at Michigan State, I received a lot of attention. They offer special treatment for athletes, which I think is pretty cool."

One of the transitions for Velasquez since coming to the United States has been cultural differences, including people, food, and the lack of family time. Velasquez had to swiftly adjust to new situations every day because he was constantly with his squad and had to travel to various locations.

Over the course of the school year, Velasquez adjusted to American culture, relying on his teammates to help him acclimate.

He said MSU Head Coach Casey Lubahn and his teammates have made MSU feel like a second family despite his longing for home comforts.

Lubahn was excited to have a player like him on his radar, and during the recruiting process, he noticed many qualities that stood out to him. "Juan was one of the highest-ranked juniors in the world when the recruiting process began," Lubahn said. "He was ranked around 180th, which is impressive for an amateur since that ranking is not specific to juniors. Being in the top 200 is an incredible achievement."

The connection to Plata and Michigan State women's golf coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll mentioning his name to Lubahn helped Velasquez join the Spartans.

"When he flew here from Colombia in November, it was a scary time for recruitment, not having experience in the colder months," Lubahn said. "We fell in love with him. Juan is an exceptional kid, a high achiever in the classroom and on the golf course. He had a connection here."

The men's golf program hasn't ventured internationally for many recruits but he does, Lubahn pays attention to four main qualities

"Are they a great character?" Lubahn said. "Are they someone who will represent us very well when they travel back home and here? Are they good students? How do they develop into a second language?"

Velasquez exceeded all the qualifications that Lubahn was looking for in a player, student, and person.

Hometown Connection Helps Velasquez Transition from Colombia to Michigan State

Players Mentioned

Juan Velasquez

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