Sept. 27, 2007

Puerto Rican native Andrés Maymi has established himself as Texas A&M International University's top men's golfer over the last two seasons. After competing at the international level over the summer Maymi is confident that he can take his game a step farther and compete with the best golfers in Heartland Conference.

Maymi spent his summer playing for the Puerto Rican National Team. He helped guide the squad to a second place finish at the 51st Caribbean Amateur Champions, played at the Santo Domingo Country Club in the Dominican Republic. Maymi finished 20th in the individual standings with a four-round total of 308.

Here is a recent question and answer exchange with Maymi:

What was the most memorable part of playing in the Caribbean Championships?

The most memorable part of playing in the Caribbean Championships was the ability to exchange experiences with the members of other countries. But the most memorable moment was the unity that Puerto Rican team established.

How will the experience help you as you prepare for the collegiate season?

This championship was very tough and the conditions were brutal. We experienced rain, wind and even thunderstorms. I believe that the pressure that I experienced playing for my country does not compare to the pressure that I experience in college. I feel more prepared for this season because of my experiences.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

My goal for this upcoming season is to help our TAMIU golf team get better. That means working on my game and on my teammate's games.

What are your future plans with the Puerto Rican National Team?

Well as of right now the competition in Puerto Rico is very hard and I have to work hard to keep my game at a high level. With the help of the Puerto Rico Golf Association I hope to compete in tournaments and do a great job so that I can keep my spot on the national team.

What are your career plans after graduating from TAMIU?

After I finish my degree in criminal justice I will move back to Puerto Rico and enroll in law school at the University of Puerto Rico.

You have two years left as a college golfer, what would be an ideal manner to conclude your career?

I would like to earn honorable mention in the Heartland Conference, get my TAMIU team in the top three teams in the conference and I would like to win the conference tournament, becoming an All-American.

Outside of golf, what will you remember most about your experience at TAMIU?

The experience outside golf in TAMIU was a good one. The culture that I have experienced in Laredo is totally different from the one that I live in Puerto Rico. Although both cultures speak Spanish it is completely different but never the less the people here have treated me very well and have tried to make my experience as easy and comfortable as possible.