(Tempe, AZ) Sun Devil Men’s Golf is improving on its talented and unique cast of student-athletes as the 2023 signing class totals five commits out of four different countries and two U.S. states, announced today by Head Coach Matt Thurmond.
“Today is an exciting day for Sun Devil Men’s Golf as we add five excellent junior golfers to our team,” Associate Head Coach Thomas Sutton said. “We believe these guys are going to be great teammates and look forward to seeing what each of them will accomplish in our program.”
Men’s Golf returns several key contributors to their National Runner-Up finish last season and has already seen significant contributions from true-freshman this fall in Luke Potter and Michael Mjaaseth.
The Sun Devil coaching staff took to a worldwide search and identified the best and most qualified athletes to be Sun Devils.
“Signing with ASU is an amazing opportunity and responsibility,” Thurmond said. “I’m confident that these guys will be a special class and will continue to do what those before them have done–leave it better than they found it.”
CONNOR WILLIAMS (Escondido, CA/San Pasqual)
NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Rolex Junior All-American
- Won 2020 Se Ri Pak AJGA
- Southern California Jr. Amateur Champion
- Made Match Play at US Junior in 2021, 2022
- 2022 CIF San Diego Section Player of the Year
- Ranked #16 in 2023 Class (Junior Golf Scoreboard)
WILLIAMS ON BEING A SUN DEVIL
“I feel honored and excited to be signing with ASU, and I look forward to contributing to the rich history of the program and competing with my teammates for a National Championship.”
COACH THURMOND ON WILLIAMS
“Connor is an all-around great person and golfer. Can you believe he’s been committed for almost four years already? Shortly after close friend Luke Potter committed, he told us, ‘you need to check this guy (Connor) out, he’s a really hard worker.’ Connor is very dedicated to golf and gives everything to each shot. He’s another in a long line of awesome Sun Devils from San Diego.”
ANAWIN PIKULTHONG (Gilbert, AZ/Hamilton)
NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Two AJGA wins (Heather Farr, Thunderbird Junior All-Star)
- Three team HS State Championships
- Two-time Rolex All-American
- Won 2022 US Amateur Qualifier
- 2021 Wydham Cup participant
PIKULTHONG ON BEING A SUN DEVIL
“I’m super excited for the opportunity to be joining the Sun Devil Family and the rich history of the program. I’ve always wanted to be a Sun Devil and being able to make it finally a reality is a dream come true.”
COACH THURMOND ON PIKULTHONG
“Anawin has been committed for a really long time. We’ve always been impressed by his work ethic, his beautiful swing, and a great smile. He’s had a lot of success over the years, and getting a player like him from a local high school is a really big deal for us. We have big hopes for Anawin!”
WENYI DING (Beijing, China/Montverde Academy Shanghai)
NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- US Junior Amateur Champion (Bandon Dunes, 2022)
- Youngest Champion on the China Tour
- Top 20 (Currently #17) World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR)
WENYI ON BEING A SUN DEVIL
“When I was looking into universities, we had a serious covid situation in China. I couldn’t go out to show my golf skills to the coaches. My only way was sending an email to the coach. I was lucky. Matt and Armen had discovered me and they gave me a chance to be a Sun Devil. Thomas also has helped me a lot. I’m really excited to be a member of this Sun Devil family.”
COACH THURMOND ON WENYI
“Ding caught my eye at the 2019 Asia Pacific Amateur in Shanghai. We kept tabs on him and saw from a distance that he was winning everything in China. Last June, we finally could talk with him and realized he is a huge ASU fan and everything just worked out great. He’s a really elite player. I was blown away by his mental toughness, presence, and clutch putting at the U.S. Junior this year.”
PONGSAPAK LAOPAKDEE (Rayong, Thailand/St. Andrews Internationals School)
NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Two-time Thailand Amateur Open Champion
- Won back-to-back AJGA events in 2022
- Played Junior Presidents Cup and World Amateur
- Youngest to ever qualify for Thai National Team (13 years, 9 months)
- Currently #172 World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR)
LAOPAKDEE ON BEING A SUN DEVIl
“I am extremely excited to be part of the Sun Devil Family! I’ve known since the beginning that this is the place where I could learn to be a better player and overall person. ASU has one of the best programs in the world and I know that there will be no regret in this decision. I would like to thank Coach Matt, Thomas, and Armen for giving me this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to be there and meet all of my teammates and coaches. This is a real dream come true and let’s go win as many trophies as possible. #ForksUp????”
COACH THURMOND ON LAOPAKDEE
“Fifa has always been awesome, but this past year since he committed he has really taken off. He’s got the whole game and can succeed at any level. He’s a happy person and he believes in himself a lot. I first saw him randomly at an event in the Czech Republic in 2019 and was impressed. I’m so glad he’s made his way to ASU.”
NICK PRIETO (Miami, FL/Homeschooled)
NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Junior Orange Bowl Champion
- Florida Boys Junior Champion (by 11 shots)
- Rolex Second Team All-American
- US Junior, Round of 32
- Six Florida Junior Tour wins
- Ranked #18 in 2023 Class (Junior Golf Scoreboard)
PRIETO ON BEING A SUN DEVIL
“I’m super excited to get things going, as I’ll be playing with and against all of the best players in college golf. Playing at the highest college level is a big goal of mine, and I’m excited to do that at Arizona State. I know this is going to be a great team, and it’s something I can’t wait to be a part of.”
COACH THURMOND ON PRIETO
“Nick is a very recent and unexpected addition to our recruiting class. He really wanted to be here and we are so happy to be able to help make it happen. Nick has had a huge year of success in and out of Florida. He’s a smart and steady player with a long of self-confidence and self-understanding. He’s mature and should be able to succeed right away here.”
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