July 29, 2022 • 23 mins
Josh and Chloe talk about playing college golf while balancing a rigorous academic load and majoring in Mechanical Engineering as well as Josh's other passion, playing classical music on the Piano.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Playbooked is a production of I Heart Radio and the
College Athletes Network. Hey everybody, this is the Playbooks Podcast
and you are listening to chloebe Mitchell, your host on
the College Athletes Network. Please subscribe to the podcast so
(00:21):
you never miss a new episode, and this can easily
be done via the I Heart Radio app. Our special
guest today is named Josh Africa and he is a
men's golfer at Penn State. Josh, introduce yourself to our
listeners and tell us a little bit about who you are. Everybody,
my name is Josh Africa. I am from Chess Speak
(00:42):
of Virginia. I am a mechanical engineering major at Penn
State and I'm going into my senior year. I love it.
I love it well. Josh, We're so happy to have you.
I have so many great questions for you. And being
that the name of the podcast is the Playbooks Podcast,
I do want to mention that Josh Africa has been
(01:02):
a part of two of our deals on the Playbooks platform,
The Skilliest which is a golf training app campaign, and
the go Fuel campaign. So Josh, just to like start
us off, tell us how you felt posting your first
ever nail deal and what was that? Like? What was
that like for you? Was it scary? Was it nerve wracking?
Was it exciting? Walk us through that? Yeah? I mean
(01:25):
it's so like I never thought that I would be
kind of on the influencer level. And I hate using
that word because it's so cliche for like me too,
Like I hate it. I hate it, but like that's
the only way that I can describe it, I guess.
But you know, that first video went up and I
was like, you know what, like I really like this,
(01:47):
Like I love being able to utilize the thing that
I love, which is golf, and also be able to
take advantage of monetizing that of course, And so like
that first one came up and I was like I
love this, like I want to keep doing it. And
then you know, you guys came back with the go
Fuel thing and I was like, oh, I gotta hop
(02:08):
on this, Like I love it. I absolutely love every
single moment of it. Oh my gosh, that's so exciting
to hear. So is there ever a point in time
where you had teammates or even mentors or coaches come
up to you and be like, Hey, I don't want
you to do this or hey, you should be doing this.
Did anybody have some outside opinions weighing into whether or
(02:29):
not you wanted to take these deals? Well, it's funny
because you know, golfers, we don't really get as much
attention or hype as like football players, basketball players, volleyball, tennis,
like any of the major sports really at our university.
And so I think my coach was probably more on
the like he was just very excited that like, oh wow,
(02:51):
one of my boys is he's actually making a name
for himself. He's actually, you know, doing something for himself.
So I think, if anything, I got more urgement. And
you know, my parents were like, oh, finally, like making
making money off of something that you know that you love, right,
I mean, that's the dream, isn't it. Yeah, absolutely, tell
(03:15):
me about how you accumulated sixteen point nine thousand followers
on Instagram. So actually it's funny because during quarantine, I think,
you know, I started posting on TikTok, like doing these
stupid dances or whatever. But like I figured, like, you
know that all these people are getting famous off and
(03:36):
doing that, Like I kind of want to pay my
own path and you know, do something more niche specific
to me. You know, I started posting like golf videos
and then TikTok and turned to Instagram videos, and like,
you know, a lot of the a lot of the
stuff that I was posting maybe wasn't like, you know,
mature for my age or whatever. So like, as the
(03:59):
followers accumulated it, I think the more I was kind
of getting out of my own lane and doing stuff
that I wasn't comfortable with. So I think I backed
down to like what I'm used to, doing what I'm
comfortable with, took some stuff down, matured a little bit,
and you know, I think I think I was able
to maintain steady following after that. Right, So you're kind
(04:21):
of going through what I really haven't heard a lot
of people talk about. It's that transition piece from it being,
you know, a social media account to a business account,
you know, presenting yourself as a business person an athlete
that you are. And I think it's really interesting that
you brought that up. I remember same with you in Quarantine,
(04:42):
going through a time in which I was growing on
TikTok and therefore my Instagram was going as well, and
I remember like specifically taking down certain posts because I
was now looking at my social media as a business account,
and I think, I mean, and it obviously depends on
what you want out of your socials, whether you want
to be a business or not. But I found that
(05:03):
kind of empowering looking at you know, this used to
be kind of a digital journal, and now it's a
business platform paired with a digital journal, and yeah, definitely
an interesting shift. Well, my next question to you, Josh
is how did you end up at Penn State and
what was the recruiting process like for you? Oh? Man,
it's actually super funny because there was another team in
(05:25):
the conference that was recruiting me, and I think I
made a visit to one of the tournaments, like the
golf tournaments, and the coach came up to me, was like, hey,
I'm so and so from here, and like I met
all the players and I met the coaches, and I
was like, you know what, forget that other team. I don't,
I'm not. I'm here for these guys. And you know,
(05:47):
it's just such an incredible journey, like because it's something
that happened so quickly that I think that you know,
I necessarily wasn't looking for a specific place to go to.
It's just kind of fell in my lap out of nowhere.
And you know that from my first day, I loved it.
And I love the people that I've met, and I
(06:07):
love the university and I wouldn't have changed the thing.
On that note, let's go into our first break. You
are listening to the Playbook podcast. I am Chloe Vie
Mitchell and this is the College Athletes Network. Welcome back
(06:42):
to the Playbook podcast on the College Athletes Network. This
is your host, Chloe B. Mitchell, and subscribe to my
podcast so you don't miss an episode. I'm here with
Josh Africa and we've been chatting about what's it like
to commit to Penn State and the recruiting process. And
my next question to you, Josh would be I've heard
that you held a little kid's golf clinic. Where did
(07:05):
that idea come from? And how was it teaching tiny
humans how to golf? Um? So this is I've actually
done two clinics with my best friend back home. Oh yeah,
So the first one that we did was for the
Boys and Girls Club in Virginia beautiful and you know
(07:28):
that that's it's such a circle of life. Mom, Sorry,
let me repeat that Um, it's it's a it's a
full circle moment for me, um, just because I was
that age where I held my first golf club and
you know, I'm learning the game and I'm enjoying it.
(07:48):
And to be able to go full circle and teach
these kids and since him in the game of golf
and to help appreciate, you know, the little things in life,
like you know, the golf teaches you humility, it teaches
you responsibility, teaches you trustworthiness, responsibility. UM. And it's one
of those things that it's not only a physical game,
(08:10):
but it's a mental game. And so you know, being
able to teach these kids, you know, a little bit
more and more every day, it's just super super awesome
to see. Um. And then a few weeks ago we
didn't want for the first team. Um yeah down here
in Hampton Roads, and the first team actually is where
(08:31):
I first played golf with my dad, Um, in an
organized setting. And you know, as I'm like teaching these kids,
and I like how you know, the fundamentals of golf
and the small things like I just think back to
when me and my dad were pounding balls and just
learning the small things and like how um, how intricate
(08:55):
the game is and and it's just a cool thing
to see when when you're teaching, of course, the tiny humans,
right and I um, I this was past two weeks.
I was also teaching tiny humans how to play volleyball.
And full circle is such a good phrase because I
(09:17):
even texted my family this. I was like, it is
so crazy to see who I once was, Like I was,
I was these little girls. I was. I was at
camp working my tail off, so scared about my future,
and now it's really fulfilling to see that I have
become the woman that I hoped to be. And I
think for every athlete, coaching kind of does that for you.
(09:39):
And so my new thing this summer is like I
really like coaching. I didn't think that I would love
it as much as I do, but I do. Maybe
that comes with age, or maybe that comes with the
fact that I don't know how much longer my body
can dive on a hardwood floor, so it's naturally more
inclined to like coaching. But that was a really solid
answer from you, Josh. I want to pick your brain
(10:02):
about what influencers and athletes that you are inspired by,
and like, what deals that you hope to do what
you want your feed to look like tell him about that.
Oh man, this is such a hard question. Um, well,
I gotta go with you. You. I mean, like I
(10:22):
I had known of Playbook for a while and like
that you were obviously the CEO founder and like just
seeing you at such a young age like not only
bring something to fruition, but to be able to be
successful with it, and yeah, thank you, Oh my god.
(10:46):
So you definitely like you know, some of my fellow
Penn Staters to like you know, Sean Clifford, he built
up his own and I l business and you know
he's doing such a great thing with that. You know,
I would love to do more deals with golf based
companies and um, you know, being an engineer, like maybe
(11:07):
getting to the golf club business, golf ball business, doing
doing stuff with them. Um. But yeah, just you know,
it's so cool to see that like people my age
like being successful and stuff that they do and like
stuff that I actually like doing. So yeah, I think
you're definitely a at the top of you. I was
(11:28):
just trying so hard not to interrupt you. I'm so
flattered by that. Um, And I you know, I would
have to say that. By you saying that, you're making
me you know, you're making me feel more more fulfilled
in my role as well. So I appreciate that I'm
trying to be you know, that young that young woman,
that young person who's showing athletes. If I can do
(11:49):
it like you can do if I'm able to do it, literally,
anybody is able to do it. So with that, we're
going to head in to our next break. You're listening
to the of a podcast. I'm your host, kloebe Mitchell
and this is a College Athletes Network. Welcome back to
(12:26):
the Playbook podcast on the College Athletes Network. This is
your host, Chloe Mitchell, and subscribe to my podcast so
that you never miss a show. Josh, we were just
talking about what your dream NIL collaboration would be and
you talked about golf. I want to talk about stuff
outside of golf. What are you passionate off the golf court,
(12:48):
off the golf course about. Excuse me, Actually, it's funny
that no one really knows about this, but I was
also a classical pianist growing up, so music is a
big portant part of my life as well. Um, yeah,
that's a that's a hobby. That I I don't normally
get to show, but it's something that I, Um, what
(13:11):
do you like to do? Uh? Are you talking like composers,
like artists, or like just just talk? I don't even Yeah, Um,
I everyone's heard of Beethoven, Yeah, that guy Chopin. Um,
(13:32):
like I I have perfect pitch, so I can pretty
much Yeah, so I can pretty much play anything if
I hear it one time. Um. A great artist who
is a perfect example of you know, someone who is
classically trained but makes great pop music is Charlie Pooth.
So yes, I've actually heard that from a variety of
(13:54):
my friends that play. Yeah, you know, especially in the
classical realm. That's so interesting. I wish our listening could
like see your face. He's just humbly sitting in this
chair talking about how he's a savant in the golf
world and on a piano like impressive. That is what
you're gonna You're just gonna show up to some nice
(14:15):
girl's house and just impress the heck out of her parents.
So I I'm really curious how long have you been
playing piano? When you start before golf or after golf?
I think I started at the same time you know,
my parents were very into getting me into different activities
at an early age. So if I could, any free
(14:37):
time I had outside of school is golf while it
was light out and then piano when it's dark out.
So nice. Yeah. Yeah. Did you ever feel like you're
mental strength or ability to memorize notes? I don't even
know how I'm trying to phrase this. Maybe the question
(14:57):
is did you ever feel like the two ills musical
and athletic benefited each other it made you a better
athlete or a better musician. Yeah. I think, Well, it's
funny because piano and golf both taught me patience, and
you know it, They're both something that you're not going
(15:17):
to get in one sitting, Like it takes continuous practice.
And I mean, I'm sure you know that with volleyball, like, um,
it's a repetitive thing that you have to keep practicing
at it in order to get better. Um. But I
think piano taught me patience and discipline, and I was
able to incorporate that in the golf world. And you know,
(15:40):
like every now and then, when I'm not in a groove,
I can just like sing to myself or like I
can hump something and it just gets me in a rhythm,
you know, just stay focused, stay patient, you know, let
things come naturally. So yeah, that's so that's a very
important part of your game. Not not the patient's piece,
but being able to you know, take that musical side
(16:00):
and whether it's lower your heart right down from being
nervous or just really lock it in. Exactly. Interesting, Josh,
that's that's really interesting. Are you going to have your
kids play piano and wolf? Yeah? I mean I'm not
going to enforce it on them, Um, whatever sport they love,
I mean, support them, but yeah, but I think the
(16:26):
foundation I could lay the foundation for them to find
their own passions, whether it's musically, athletically, you know, maybe
if it's even if it's in the classroom. Um, for sure.
Speaking of the classroom, Penn State Harrisburg, tell me about
how difficult of a school that was, and also tell
me about if playing Division one was an option for
(16:49):
you and why you chose D three. Um so because
of my major. Um So, being a mechanical engineer major
is is not deal when you're a college athlete, because
because it is so difficult, is what you're not saying? Yes, yes, yes,
(17:09):
um And that particular campus is very engineering favorite. So
I chose that over main campus because there's so many
described distractions up at main campus, and I don't think
that I would have been as successful, uh if I
(17:30):
had gone to the main campus, just because there's so
many things going on. You have football games, you have
social life. There's just so much, and you know, if
you want to be successful, I feel like, or if
I wanted to be successful, I had to go somewhere
where I could, you know, study hard in the classroom
and then also perform well on the athletic field. I
(17:51):
like it. I like it. It's a very clean cut response,
and you keep saying the word successful and for our listeners,
I just wanted them to know how successful you really are.
Freshman year, Josh had the third best single round score
in program history. Correct me if I'm wrong, Josh. And
then in the fall he matched the program's all time
low score and in seventh place at the Dickinson Invitational. Like,
(18:14):
are you at all shocked? Like are you shocked by
hearing those things that how good you are golf? Or
did you just know you have it in you? All? Off? Um,
It's it's definitely been an up and down journey in
college because you know, I'm fighting, you know, injuries all
the time, and you know it's just mentally, I could
be drained one day just because of school um, and
(18:36):
then every athlete had gone through quarantine and COVID nineteen.
So it It's definitely been one of those things where
I think, like you, you see yourself at rock bottom,
but the climb up is just so satisfying once you
hit like something that you've been striving to reach for
(18:57):
a while, and you know, I mean I played better
arounds before, but that one just felt so special to me,
just because you know, from where I came from before,
and you know, being able to see my name at
the top of record books is absolutely insane to me.
And I think that will be something that when I
(19:19):
move on from college that I can um that I
can look back and be like, you know, I left
my mark and I did something cool for myself, and
that's so beautiful too. I think every athlete, every athlete
dreams of that, and you did just that. Well, my
final question to you, Josh would be, what would you
(19:40):
have to tell I guess it's a I guess it's
a two parter. So my final two questions would be
what advice would you have to give any young golfers
And secondly is what advice would you have to give
any young athlete preneurs so freshman in college that wants
to get into the nail space. Um. This is so
(20:01):
difficult for me because I'm I'm still brand new to
brand new to the whole experience. But I think for
young golfers, if you're passionate about it, I mean it
could be for anybody to a student, student, athlete, golfer. Um,
just work hard and dedicate your time to your passions. UM,
(20:21):
give it a percent whatever you choose to do. UM,
I think you know they're there. There's so many things
that can sway us away from what we love, just
because of perceptions on social media and stuff. But if
you love something, I mean, go for it. I mean,
there's nothing stopping you from being the best that you can.
(20:41):
It's something that you love, you know, and don't let
other people judge you and don't let other people discourage
you just because it's not popular at the time or whatever.
But I think I love what you do and love yourself. UM,
and you know, be yourself, be your true self. And
for for athletes that want to be in the n
(21:03):
I O business. Um, I think you know, reach out
to playbooked. Um they've been Yeah, they have treated me
so well. Um, I've loved every experience with it. I
mean it's so easy to work with you guys. Like
there's there's so many like n I O businesses that
(21:24):
I like tried to I'm not I'm not even like
tried to contact, but like just look into and I'm like,
I don't want to have to read this contract that's
like twenty pages long and not even know what I'm
posting about or whatever. Like the way that you guys
haven't structured is so easy for us to understand and
(21:46):
it's less time consuming. So I think, honestly, contact Playbook
a great answer. Yeah, that's a great answer. Um. And
if anybody does want to contact Playbook, do you know
where to find us at playbooks app on Instagram and
Josh please tell them all of your handles so that
they can follow you as well. Um, Instagram is at
(22:08):
Josh dot underscore dot Africa. I did that because I
like the little face and already stole Josh Africa, so
I knowed a little face. Yeah, no, I mean, I've
been trying to get the handle Josh Africa like for
years now, and the guy that has it won't give
it up. And his name is not even Josh Africa.
I'm like, dude, come on, give me my name please. Yeah. Literally,
(22:34):
and TikTok is says jo at Josh Africa. I think,
um Twitter is uh Josh underscore Africa beautiful. Well, Josh,
I appreciate your time and your answers were fantastic, and
as always, to our listeners, thank you for listening to
the Playbook podcast on the College Athletes Network. Please subscribe
(22:56):
so you don't miss an episode, and I'm your host,
Chloe Vie Mitchell. We'll talk soon. Playbooked is a production
of I Heart Radio and the College Athletes Network. For
more podcasts from my Heart Radio, visit the I Heart
Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Playbooked is a production of I Heart Radio and the
College Athletes Network. Hey everybody, this is the Playbooks Podcast
and you are listening to chloebe Mitchell, your host on
the College Athletes Network. Please subscribe to the podcast so
(00:21):
you never miss a new episode, and this can easily
be done via the I Heart Radio app. Our special
guest today is named Josh Africa and he is a
men's golfer at Penn State. Josh, introduce yourself to our
listeners and tell us a little bit about who you are. Everybody,
my name is Josh Africa. I am from Chess Speak
(00:42):
of Virginia. I am a mechanical engineering major at Penn
State and I'm going into my senior year. I love it.
I love it well. Josh, We're so happy to have you.
I have so many great questions for you. And being
that the name of the podcast is the Playbooks Podcast,
I do want to mention that Josh Africa has been
(01:02):
a part of two of our deals on the Playbooks platform,
The Skilliest which is a golf training app campaign, and
the go Fuel campaign. So Josh, just to like start
us off, tell us how you felt posting your first
ever nail deal and what was that? Like? What was
that like for you? Was it scary? Was it nerve wracking?
Was it exciting? Walk us through that? Yeah? I mean
(01:25):
it's so like I never thought that I would be
kind of on the influencer level. And I hate using
that word because it's so cliche for like me too,
Like I hate it. I hate it, but like that's
the only way that I can describe it, I guess.
But you know, that first video went up and I
was like, you know what, like I really like this,
(01:47):
Like I love being able to utilize the thing that
I love, which is golf, and also be able to
take advantage of monetizing that of course, And so like
that first one came up and I was like I
love this, like I want to keep doing it. And
then you know, you guys came back with the go
Fuel thing and I was like, oh, I gotta hop
(02:08):
on this, Like I love it. I absolutely love every
single moment of it. Oh my gosh, that's so exciting
to hear. So is there ever a point in time
where you had teammates or even mentors or coaches come
up to you and be like, Hey, I don't want
you to do this or hey, you should be doing this.
Did anybody have some outside opinions weighing into whether or
(02:29):
not you wanted to take these deals? Well, it's funny
because you know, golfers, we don't really get as much
attention or hype as like football players, basketball players, volleyball, tennis,
like any of the major sports really at our university.
And so I think my coach was probably more on
the like he was just very excited that like, oh wow,
(02:51):
one of my boys is he's actually making a name
for himself. He's actually, you know, doing something for himself.
So I think, if anything, I got more urgement. And
you know, my parents were like, oh, finally, like making
making money off of something that you know that you love, right,
I mean, that's the dream, isn't it. Yeah, absolutely, tell
(03:15):
me about how you accumulated sixteen point nine thousand followers
on Instagram. So actually it's funny because during quarantine, I think,
you know, I started posting on TikTok, like doing these
stupid dances or whatever. But like I figured, like, you
know that all these people are getting famous off and
(03:36):
doing that, Like I kind of want to pay my
own path and you know, do something more niche specific
to me. You know, I started posting like golf videos
and then TikTok and turned to Instagram videos, and like,
you know, a lot of the a lot of the
stuff that I was posting maybe wasn't like, you know,
mature for my age or whatever. So like, as the
(03:59):
followers accumulated it, I think the more I was kind
of getting out of my own lane and doing stuff
that I wasn't comfortable with. So I think I backed
down to like what I'm used to, doing what I'm
comfortable with, took some stuff down, matured a little bit,
and you know, I think I think I was able
to maintain steady following after that. Right, So you're kind
(04:21):
of going through what I really haven't heard a lot
of people talk about. It's that transition piece from it being,
you know, a social media account to a business account,
you know, presenting yourself as a business person an athlete
that you are. And I think it's really interesting that
you brought that up. I remember same with you in Quarantine,
(04:42):
going through a time in which I was growing on
TikTok and therefore my Instagram was going as well, and
I remember like specifically taking down certain posts because I
was now looking at my social media as a business account,
and I think, I mean, and it obviously depends on
what you want out of your socials, whether you want
to be a business or not. But I found that
(05:03):
kind of empowering looking at you know, this used to
be kind of a digital journal, and now it's a
business platform paired with a digital journal, and yeah, definitely
an interesting shift. Well, my next question to you, Josh
is how did you end up at Penn State and
what was the recruiting process like for you? Oh? Man,
it's actually super funny because there was another team in
(05:25):
the conference that was recruiting me, and I think I
made a visit to one of the tournaments, like the
golf tournaments, and the coach came up to me, was like, hey,
I'm so and so from here, and like I met
all the players and I met the coaches, and I
was like, you know what, forget that other team. I don't,
I'm not. I'm here for these guys. And you know,
(05:47):
it's just such an incredible journey, like because it's something
that happened so quickly that I think that you know,
I necessarily wasn't looking for a specific place to go to.
It's just kind of fell in my lap out of nowhere.
And you know that from my first day, I loved it.
And I love the people that I've met, and I
(06:07):
love the university and I wouldn't have changed the thing.
On that note, let's go into our first break. You
are listening to the Playbook podcast. I am Chloe Vie
Mitchell and this is the College Athletes Network. Welcome back
(06:42):
to the Playbook podcast on the College Athletes Network. This
is your host, Chloe B. Mitchell, and subscribe to my
podcast so you don't miss an episode. I'm here with
Josh Africa and we've been chatting about what's it like
to commit to Penn State and the recruiting process. And
my next question to you, Josh would be I've heard
that you held a little kid's golf clinic. Where did
(07:05):
that idea come from? And how was it teaching tiny
humans how to golf? Um? So this is I've actually
done two clinics with my best friend back home. Oh yeah,
So the first one that we did was for the
Boys and Girls Club in Virginia beautiful and you know
(07:28):
that that's it's such a circle of life. Mom, Sorry,
let me repeat that Um, it's it's a it's a
full circle moment for me, um, just because I was
that age where I held my first golf club and
you know, I'm learning the game and I'm enjoying it.
(07:48):
And to be able to go full circle and teach
these kids and since him in the game of golf
and to help appreciate, you know, the little things in life,
like you know, the golf teaches you humility, it teaches
you responsibility, teaches you trustworthiness, responsibility. UM. And it's one
of those things that it's not only a physical game,
(08:10):
but it's a mental game. And so you know, being
able to teach these kids, you know, a little bit
more and more every day, it's just super super awesome
to see. Um. And then a few weeks ago we
didn't want for the first team. Um yeah down here
in Hampton Roads, and the first team actually is where
(08:31):
I first played golf with my dad, Um, in an
organized setting. And you know, as I'm like teaching these kids,
and I like how you know, the fundamentals of golf
and the small things like I just think back to
when me and my dad were pounding balls and just
learning the small things and like how um, how intricate
(08:55):
the game is and and it's just a cool thing
to see when when you're teaching, of course, the tiny humans,
right and I um, I this was past two weeks.
I was also teaching tiny humans how to play volleyball.
And full circle is such a good phrase because I
(09:17):
even texted my family this. I was like, it is
so crazy to see who I once was, Like I was,
I was these little girls. I was. I was at
camp working my tail off, so scared about my future,
and now it's really fulfilling to see that I have
become the woman that I hoped to be. And I
think for every athlete, coaching kind of does that for you.
(09:39):
And so my new thing this summer is like I
really like coaching. I didn't think that I would love
it as much as I do, but I do. Maybe
that comes with age, or maybe that comes with the
fact that I don't know how much longer my body
can dive on a hardwood floor, so it's naturally more
inclined to like coaching. But that was a really solid
answer from you, Josh. I want to pick your brain
(10:02):
about what influencers and athletes that you are inspired by,
and like, what deals that you hope to do what
you want your feed to look like tell him about that.
Oh man, this is such a hard question. Um, well,
I gotta go with you. You. I mean, like I
(10:22):
I had known of Playbook for a while and like
that you were obviously the CEO founder and like just
seeing you at such a young age like not only
bring something to fruition, but to be able to be
successful with it, and yeah, thank you, Oh my god.
(10:46):
So you definitely like you know, some of my fellow
Penn Staters to like you know, Sean Clifford, he built
up his own and I l business and you know
he's doing such a great thing with that. You know,
I would love to do more deals with golf based
companies and um, you know, being an engineer, like maybe
(11:07):
getting to the golf club business, golf ball business, doing
doing stuff with them. Um. But yeah, just you know,
it's so cool to see that like people my age
like being successful and stuff that they do and like
stuff that I actually like doing. So yeah, I think
you're definitely a at the top of you. I was
(11:28):
just trying so hard not to interrupt you. I'm so
flattered by that. Um, And I you know, I would
have to say that. By you saying that, you're making
me you know, you're making me feel more more fulfilled
in my role as well. So I appreciate that I'm
trying to be you know, that young that young woman,
that young person who's showing athletes. If I can do
(11:49):
it like you can do if I'm able to do it, literally,
anybody is able to do it. So with that, we're
going to head in to our next break. You're listening
to the of a podcast. I'm your host, kloebe Mitchell
and this is a College Athletes Network. Welcome back to
(12:26):
the Playbook podcast on the College Athletes Network. This is
your host, Chloe Mitchell, and subscribe to my podcast so
that you never miss a show. Josh, we were just
talking about what your dream NIL collaboration would be and
you talked about golf. I want to talk about stuff
outside of golf. What are you passionate off the golf court,
(12:48):
off the golf course about. Excuse me, Actually, it's funny
that no one really knows about this, but I was
also a classical pianist growing up, so music is a
big portant part of my life as well. Um, yeah,
that's a that's a hobby. That I I don't normally
get to show, but it's something that I, Um, what
(13:11):
do you like to do? Uh? Are you talking like composers,
like artists, or like just just talk? I don't even Yeah, Um,
I everyone's heard of Beethoven, Yeah, that guy Chopin. Um,
(13:32):
like I I have perfect pitch, so I can pretty
much Yeah, so I can pretty much play anything if
I hear it one time. Um. A great artist who
is a perfect example of you know, someone who is
classically trained but makes great pop music is Charlie Pooth.
So yes, I've actually heard that from a variety of
(13:54):
my friends that play. Yeah, you know, especially in the
classical realm. That's so interesting. I wish our listening could
like see your face. He's just humbly sitting in this
chair talking about how he's a savant in the golf
world and on a piano like impressive. That is what
you're gonna You're just gonna show up to some nice
(14:15):
girl's house and just impress the heck out of her parents.
So I I'm really curious how long have you been
playing piano? When you start before golf or after golf?
I think I started at the same time you know,
my parents were very into getting me into different activities
at an early age. So if I could, any free
(14:37):
time I had outside of school is golf while it
was light out and then piano when it's dark out.
So nice. Yeah. Yeah. Did you ever feel like you're
mental strength or ability to memorize notes? I don't even
know how I'm trying to phrase this. Maybe the question
(14:57):
is did you ever feel like the two ills musical
and athletic benefited each other it made you a better
athlete or a better musician. Yeah. I think, Well, it's
funny because piano and golf both taught me patience, and
you know it, They're both something that you're not going
(15:17):
to get in one sitting, Like it takes continuous practice.
And I mean, I'm sure you know that with volleyball, like, um,
it's a repetitive thing that you have to keep practicing
at it in order to get better. Um. But I
think piano taught me patience and discipline, and I was
able to incorporate that in the golf world. And you know,
(15:40):
like every now and then, when I'm not in a groove,
I can just like sing to myself or like I
can hump something and it just gets me in a rhythm,
you know, just stay focused, stay patient, you know, let
things come naturally. So yeah, that's so that's a very
important part of your game. Not not the patient's piece,
but being able to you know, take that musical side
(16:00):
and whether it's lower your heart right down from being
nervous or just really lock it in. Exactly. Interesting, Josh,
that's that's really interesting. Are you going to have your
kids play piano and wolf? Yeah? I mean I'm not
going to enforce it on them, Um, whatever sport they love,
I mean, support them, but yeah, but I think the
(16:26):
foundation I could lay the foundation for them to find
their own passions, whether it's musically, athletically, you know, maybe
if it's even if it's in the classroom. Um, for sure.
Speaking of the classroom, Penn State Harrisburg, tell me about
how difficult of a school that was, and also tell
me about if playing Division one was an option for
(16:49):
you and why you chose D three. Um so because
of my major. Um So, being a mechanical engineer major
is is not deal when you're a college athlete, because
because it is so difficult, is what you're not saying? Yes, yes, yes,
(17:09):
um And that particular campus is very engineering favorite. So
I chose that over main campus because there's so many
described distractions up at main campus, and I don't think
that I would have been as successful, uh if I
(17:30):
had gone to the main campus, just because there's so
many things going on. You have football games, you have
social life. There's just so much, and you know, if
you want to be successful, I feel like, or if
I wanted to be successful, I had to go somewhere
where I could, you know, study hard in the classroom
and then also perform well on the athletic field. I
(17:51):
like it. I like it. It's a very clean cut response,
and you keep saying the word successful and for our listeners,
I just wanted them to know how successful you really are.
Freshman year, Josh had the third best single round score
in program history. Correct me if I'm wrong, Josh. And
then in the fall he matched the program's all time
low score and in seventh place at the Dickinson Invitational. Like,
(18:14):
are you at all shocked? Like are you shocked by
hearing those things that how good you are golf? Or
did you just know you have it in you? All? Off? Um,
It's it's definitely been an up and down journey in
college because you know, I'm fighting, you know, injuries all
the time, and you know it's just mentally, I could
be drained one day just because of school um, and
(18:36):
then every athlete had gone through quarantine and COVID nineteen.
So it It's definitely been one of those things where
I think, like you, you see yourself at rock bottom,
but the climb up is just so satisfying once you
hit like something that you've been striving to reach for
(18:57):
a while, and you know, I mean I played better
arounds before, but that one just felt so special to me,
just because you know, from where I came from before,
and you know, being able to see my name at
the top of record books is absolutely insane to me.
And I think that will be something that when I
(19:19):
move on from college that I can um that I
can look back and be like, you know, I left
my mark and I did something cool for myself, and
that's so beautiful too. I think every athlete, every athlete
dreams of that, and you did just that. Well, my
final question to you, Josh would be, what would you
(19:40):
have to tell I guess it's a I guess it's
a two parter. So my final two questions would be
what advice would you have to give any young golfers
And secondly is what advice would you have to give
any young athlete preneurs so freshman in college that wants
to get into the nail space. Um. This is so
(20:01):
difficult for me because I'm I'm still brand new to
brand new to the whole experience. But I think for
young golfers, if you're passionate about it, I mean it
could be for anybody to a student, student, athlete, golfer. Um,
just work hard and dedicate your time to your passions. UM,
(20:21):
give it a percent whatever you choose to do. UM,
I think you know they're there. There's so many things
that can sway us away from what we love, just
because of perceptions on social media and stuff. But if
you love something, I mean, go for it. I mean,
there's nothing stopping you from being the best that you can.
(20:41):
It's something that you love, you know, and don't let
other people judge you and don't let other people discourage
you just because it's not popular at the time or whatever.
But I think I love what you do and love yourself. UM,
and you know, be yourself, be your true self. And
for for athletes that want to be in the n
(21:03):
I O business. Um, I think you know, reach out
to playbooked. Um they've been Yeah, they have treated me
so well. Um, I've loved every experience with it. I
mean it's so easy to work with you guys. Like
there's there's so many like n I O businesses that
(21:24):
I like tried to I'm not I'm not even like
tried to contact, but like just look into and I'm like,
I don't want to have to read this contract that's
like twenty pages long and not even know what I'm
posting about or whatever. Like the way that you guys
haven't structured is so easy for us to understand and
(21:46):
it's less time consuming. So I think, honestly, contact Playbook
a great answer. Yeah, that's a great answer. Um. And
if anybody does want to contact Playbook, do you know
where to find us at playbooks app on Instagram and
Josh please tell them all of your handles so that
they can follow you as well. Um, Instagram is at
(22:08):
Josh dot underscore dot Africa. I did that because I
like the little face and already stole Josh Africa, so
I knowed a little face. Yeah, no, I mean, I've
been trying to get the handle Josh Africa like for
years now, and the guy that has it won't give
it up. And his name is not even Josh Africa.
I'm like, dude, come on, give me my name please. Yeah. Literally,
(22:34):
and TikTok is says jo at Josh Africa. I think,
um Twitter is uh Josh underscore Africa beautiful. Well, Josh,
I appreciate your time and your answers were fantastic, and
as always, to our listeners, thank you for listening to
the Playbook podcast on the College Athletes Network. Please subscribe
(22:56):
so you don't miss an episode, and I'm your host,
Chloe Vie Mitchell. We'll talk soon. Playbooked is a production
of I Heart Radio and the College Athletes Network. For
more podcasts from my Heart Radio, visit the I Heart
Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Host
Chloe V. Mitchell
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