Despite personal difficulties throughout his Biola career, senior business major Joshua Mathis has managed to leave a significant impression on Biola's golf program in the past three years — setting and breaking records along the way. This season alone, Mathis has managed to break his own record twice as he comes to the end of his collegiate career.

Entering as a freshman in 2009, Mathis quickly made headlines by showing his great potential to compete at a collegiate level. His first semester was a solid one, but spring 2010 was when he began to be noticed individually. Mathis began to lead the way for the men's golf team and set his first school record for the best single round of golf with a score of 67 at the California Baptist Spring Break Collegiate Tournament. As a sophomore, Mathis became the first player to win a tournament in the history of Biola's then 4-year-old golf program at the Lamkin Grip Invitational.

“I've been a little more dedicated,” Mathis said. “I started caring a lot more about golf and the golf team each year that I've been here.”

Mathis has led team since the beginning

Mathis' accomplishments did not end there; in fact, it was just the beginning. He continued to lead his team during each competition his junior year as he prepared himself for his last season at Biola. This year, at the 2012 Embry-Riddle Arizona Co-Ed Invitational, Mathis carded a 6-under-par 66 in the third round. This score broke his own record from 2010. A week later, he broke this record once more with a 65.

“It was kind of fun to follow up with a 66 in the last round and then 65 in the first round of the following tournament,” Mathis said. “It was good to have good rounds back-to-back.”

Originally from Colorado Springs, Colo. Mathis began his golf career at the age of 15 during his freshman year in high school. Before then, golf was merely a hobby he did not take seriously — until he discovered his potential. After realizing he was capable of competing at a higher level, Mathis began to contact schools in California in hopes of being recruited. After considering schools like Point Loma Nazarene University, The Master's College and Texas A&M University, Mathis ultimately decided to attend Biola.

“[Coach John Lane] … was the one who recruited me and I came out here and met with him,” Mathis said. “I really liked him, I thought he was really cool and I loved Biola's campus, so that's when I decided to come play here.”

Passing of father added to difficutly of college transition 

Although Mathis has seen much success in his athletic career in the past three years, his journey also came with difficulties. After losing his dad to cancer, starting at a new school in a new state seemed that much harder for Mathis.

“My first year at Biola was pretty emotional. My father died my freshman year but I decided to continue to play the full golf season,” Mathis said. “I really loved playing [golf] with him; he pretty much taught me everything I know. He has kind of always been my inspiration.”

During his freshman year, Mathis ended the fall season second on his team and was first in the spring. His dedication and persistence helped him improve each year. And as the end of his college career grows closer, Mathis has goals he wants to accomplish before and after he leaves Biola.

“As far as college golf goes, I've really wanted to play in nationals and I've never gotten a chance,” Mathis said. “They only take one individual from regionals but they also take a whole team. I think it would be the coolest thing ever if our team qualified for regionals and went to nationals.”

With only three more tournaments before the NAIA National Championship in May, golf is something that will continue to be a part of Mathis even after Biola.

“As far as golf goes I still have a lot of goals,” Mathis said. “After I graduate I'm probably going to look at turning pro.”