When Drishti Karumbaya arrived at Cal State East Bay, she had no idea how much her time as a Pioneer would influence the person and professional she'd become. What began as a passion for competition grew into a journey of leadership, resilience, and lifelong connection.

"My years competing for East Bay were some of the most transformative of my life," Karumbaya reflected. "College golf taught me far more than how to handle pressure. It taught me how to manage my time, stay composed, and lead with purpose. Balancing travel, academics, and early morning practices shaped my discipline and work ethic. Those lessons have stayed with me every step of the way." 

Karumbaya credits her coaches for helping her evolve both as an athlete and as a person. "Coach Alan Sue believed in me from day one and constantly pushed me to raise my standards," she said. "He modeled what it means to lead with integrity and consistency. And Coach Chris Oetinger played a huge role in refining my game. His calm and analytical style helped me understand the mental side of golf. He has such deep knowledge of the sport, and his approach made me more confident and self-assured when it mattered most." 

Among her favorite memories as a Pioneer are the high-stakes moments that tested the team's grit and unity. "Playing in the NCAA West Regionals and qualifying for the NCAA Division II National Championships were truly unforgettable," Karumbaya said. "Walking onto that stage wearing East Bay gear was surreal. It represented years of hard work, belief, and the support of everyone who helped me get there." 

But for Karumbaya, it wasn't just about the competition. "Some of my best memories came from the friendships," she said with a smile. "Sachika Singh, Arrianna Custodio, and the twins, Cassie and Gabbie Puspoki, made every practice round and road trip something special. We laughed a lot more than we probably should have, and those moments are what I'll always treasure." 

After graduating, Karumbaya found a way to turn her lifelong passion for golf into a career. She turned professional and moved into coaching, where she now helps others grow through the game. Based in West Palm Beach, she coaches at Golfusion and previously served as an assistant coach for the Palm Beach Atlantic University women's golf team. "Golf has always been a part of who I am, so continuing in the sport felt natural," she said. "At Golfusion, I coach and work on entrepreneurship, event management, and brand development. Being a student-athlete at East Bay prepared me for that balance." 

When reflecting on her role models, Karumbaya points first to home. "My parents have been my biggest inspiration," she shared. "They've shown me what hard work and humility look like every single day. My dad's calmness and my mom's determination have been huge influences on how I approach life." 

She also finds inspiration in athletes who strike a balance between excellence and grace. "I really admire Nelly Korda, Tiger Woods, and Steph Curry, not just for their talent but for their mindset and dedication. They've shown how important it is to evolve, stay grounded, and keep chasing growth." 

As for current Pioneer golfers, Karumbaya's message is simple but heartfelt: "Appreciate every single moment. The early mornings, the travel, the grind—they'll become the memories you cherish the most. Don't let the tough days discourage you; they're the ones that teach you the most about yourself. And remember, being a Pioneer is about more than your scorecard. It's about learning to lead, persevere, and lift up the people around you." 

Today, Karumbaya continues to embody what it means to be a Pioneer: focused, passionate, and purpose-driven, carrying the lessons learned in Hayward with her wherever she goes.