The "Cobra Spotlight" is a weekly highlight of a student-athlete at Coker College. Each week we take a different athlete from a different sport and display some facets to get more familiar with them. This week we take a look at Mallory Thompkins and Blake Baysden, members of the golf teams.
Name: Mallory Thompkins
Sport: Women’s golf
Hometown: Georgetown, S.C.
Year: Senior
Major: Education with a concentration in early childhood education and elementary education
Why did you choose Coker? I chose Coker because of the small class sizes, and the opportunity to really get to work with my professors past the classroom doors. Also, having a chance to be able to play golf at the collegiate level helped persuade my choice to come to Coker.
What is your best memory at Coker (athletic related)? My best memory is my hole in one my sophomore year at Savannah Quarters Country Club in Savannah, GA. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the clearest view of the ball going in the hole, as I remember walking up to the hole, looking around, and then taking the flag out to get my hole-in-one ball. My coach, Tommy Baker, walked up as we were both grinning ear to ear and we embraced in a proud hug; what a wonderful feeling it was to have a coach that was proud of all of his players. It is a memory that will be with me forever.
What is your best memory at Coker (non-athletic related)? Another great memory from Coker College was getting to be a part of Play Day with the Education Department. It’s such a fun time to interact with the surrounding community and get to enjoy playing.
Which athletic team would you play on at Coker other than your own? Other than golf, I think it would be interesting to play on the softball team.
Favorite class: My favorite class at Coker College will always and forever be my Communication 101 class with Professor Puffer. As a freshmen, I was still nervous about classes, let alone getting up and speaking in front of fellow peers. Professor Puffer made the class so fun and laid back, yet intriguing and beneficial.
Favorite professor: Dr. Carpenter is awesome!!
Plans after graduation: As of now, I plan to teach at an elementary school in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade; it is my dream to help students see their ability to achieve anything as long as they try their hardest and their best. After my first year of teaching, I plan to obtain a master’s degree in literacy studies from University of South Carolina. Eventually, I would love to coach a high school golf team.
Favorite movie: Sweet Home Alabama
Favorite type of music: Anything but head banging music; literally anything else.
Favorite food: Spaghetti
Favorite sports team: South Carolina Gamecocks
Favorite color: Yellow
Favorite TV show: Modern Family
Most prized possession: My golf clubs.
What is something people may not know about you? I grew up playing the piano and I love to sing, especially karaoke.
Do you have a nickname? If so, how did you get it? Mom! Apparently, I am the team mom for the men’s and women’s golf team. Ever since my freshmen year, my nickname has been ‘mom’ and I know that comes from my instinctive behavior to constantly care about and for others. My first teammates began calling me mom, and almost every person that has been on the golf teams since then have jumped on the band wagon with it.
One word that describes you: Compassionate
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Name: Blake Baysden
Sport: Men’s golf
Hometown: Bladenboro, N.C.
Year: Junior
Major: Physical education with a concentration in exercise science
Why did you choose Coker? Coker gave me the opportunity to play collegiate golf.
What is your best memory at Coker (athletic related)? Leading the golf team to a 4th place finish last season.
What is your best memory at Coker (non-athletic related)? Bandfest, freshman year.
Which athletic team would you play on at Coker other than your own? Basketball
Favorite class: Anatomy
Favorite professor: Dr. Suzanne Parker
Plans after graduation: Attend graduate school
Favorite movie: American Sniper
Favorite type of music: Country
Favorite food: Fried chicken
Favorite sports team: North Carolina State University
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Most prized possession: Golf clubs
What is something people may not know about you? I hold the course record at Land-O-Lakes Golf Course (63).
Do you have a nickname? If so, how did you get it? Squigs, a member at my home golf course gave it to me.
One word that describes you: Outgoing