April 13, 2012
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By Brandon Naidus
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - For senior Brad Schneider, golf is the game he grew up playing. From when he was a 4-year-old driving around golf carts, to a 10-year-old playing competitively, to the-now leader of the No. 18 UCF men's golf team.
Schneider has let nothing get in the way of the game he loves-- not even a serious injury that forced him to redshirt his freshman year. After getting healthy enough to play, Schneider did not lose a step. In a practice round, his first 18 holes after injury, he fired a 70 (-2).
His skills have helped him to be a part of three-consecutive Conference USA titles, and he will leave UCF with the legacy as one of the winningest Knights. He will help the squad vie for its fourth-consecutive title this spring and he likes the team's chances.
"We think we have a very good opportunity to win our fourth Conference USA Championship. We are very competitive this year. We have been top 25 the whole year," Schneider said.
Schneider has been an intricate part of the Knights' success this season. He has earned three Conference USA Golfer of the Week titles in the 2011-12 campaign.
"I am really happy where my game is now and looking forward to the next few tournaments," Schneider said.
With a relatively young roster, Schneider is the lone senior of the bunch. He and junior Reid Martin are the only two upper classmen on the squad. Schneider has enjoyed taking on the leadership role.
"My experience with classes, practice and travel on the road has helped. I know what is like to get ahead in school, so that way you can focus on golf," Schneider added.
Schneider is the longest tenured Knight. He was here prior to head coach Bryce Wallor and assistant coach Bill Rankin. The program has made great strides in his time here.
"I have been through two head coaches, five assistant coaches and 25 teammates," Schneider said. "Bryce has got this program where he needs to get it. It is headed in the right direction. The school and facilities are great. The tournament schedule gets better every year," Schneider said.
After graduating from UCF, Schneider plans to continue with his golf career.
"I am going to play in a bunch of the big amateur tournaments over the summer. A few of them have PGA Tour exemptions and I think that is a good goal to shoot for."