SEASIDE, Calif. - Cathy Tong arrived at Cal State Monterey Bay with a clear vision, to grow as both a golfer and a person. Now a senior, she's fulfilling that promise through steady leadership and a commitment to excellence—on the course, in the classroom, and even in service to her country.
 
This season, Tong's focus is on consistency, mentorship, and helping the Otters compete for a conference title.
 
"Cathy is the hardest worker I have coached in my entire career," CSUMB head coach Jim Ragan said. "She is a great person and a great player. I hate this is her senior year, but excited for her knowing she will receive her diploma this May."
 
Finding Her Place at CSUMB
For Tong, joining CSUMB was about more than golf—it was about finding a community that matched her ambitions. The program's culture and people stood out from the start.
 
"The best part has been having a competitive environment and building relationships through the ups and downs of college golf," she said. "Traveling together, pushing each other in practice, and representing the university has been incredibly rewarding."
 
That competitive spirit has fueled her growth. Tong credits the daily grind—early-morning practices, long days on the range, and team road trips—with shaping her into the leader she is today. The bonds she's formed with her teammates are a big part of why she loves the game.
 
"As a team, our goal is to compete for conference championships and qualify for postseason play," she said. "We want to build a strong team and stay consistent throughout the season."
 
Leading by Example
As a senior, Tong embraces the responsibility of setting the tone for the team. She leads through action and attitude, making sure younger players feel supported and prepared.
 
"I'm most looking forward to mentoring younger players and helping set the standard for our program," she said.
 
"As a senior, I want to lead these younger players through consistency, positivity, and effort, and make sure that I can spread my knowledge as we stay focused on our goals throughout the season."
 
That leadership extends to her own goals, too. "Individually, I want to be a consistent contributor to my team, lower my scoring average, and perform at the highest level I can," Tong said. "I also want to lead by example through my work ethic and preparation."
 
Balancing Golf and Military Duty
What many don't see is the discipline Tong carries from another part of her life: military service in US Army Reserves.
 
"Serving in the military has taught me discipline, time management, and accountability, all of which translate directly to life and have helped me learn how to balance multiple responsibilities at the same time," she said. "Honestly, balancing everything hasn't always been easy, but having a structured routine and strong support from my school, coaches, and teammates has made it possible. Both experiences push me to be better every day."
 
That sense of duty has shaped her perspective on golf and life. "The support I've received has truly made me a better person, and experiencing that firsthand has shown me that balancing all these commitments is possible," Tong said.
 
Looking Ahead
As she prepares to close out her collegiate career, Tong is focused on finishing strong—on the course and beyond.
 
"My goal after graduating is to continue developing my career in professional golf," she said. "Beyond golf, my goals are to graduate from college and complete my final year of military duty."
 
Whether she's leading a practice round or fulfilling her responsibilities in uniform, Tong embodies the balance, discipline, and heart that define CSUMB Women's Golf. Her journey is proof that with the right support and mindset, it's possible to excel in every arena.
 
"I chose CSUMB because it offered the perfect balance of academics, competitive golf, and a supportive environment," Tong said. "My coach and staff believed in me early on, and the location and culture of the program really felt like a place where I could grow both as a player and as a person."
 
The senior is a two-time All-CCAA first-team honoree and was named the CSUMB Female Athlete of the Year in 2024.
 
The Otters open their spring slate at the LA Spring Kickoff on Monday, Feb. 2 at the Rio Hondo Golf Club.