This week's Pioneer Spotlight shines on Cal State East Bay golf, featuring two standout student-athletes from Sweden, senior Denise Paulsson of women's golf and junior Oscar Blomqvist of men's golf. Both have been instrumental in raising the program's profile on the national stage, helping their teams reach the NCAA Championships while embracing the full experience of being a Pioneer student-athlete.
 
Denise Paulsson – Sr. – Women's Golf
 
For Denise Paulsson, transferring to Cal State East Bay was more than just a change of scenery it was a move that combined academic opportunity, athletic ambition, and personal growth.
 
"I chose to come to East Bay for several reasons," Paulsson said. "I transferred here after playing golf at the University of Montevallo, and one of the main factors was that East Bay offered my major, allowing me to continue my studies. Education has always been a top priority for me, so that played a big role in my decision."
 
She credits her longtime friend and fellow Swede, Oscar Blomqvist, for helping her discover what East Bay had to offer. "Oscar and I grew up playing golf together in Sweden," she said. "He was already part of the East Bay program and told me so many great things about the team, the school, and the coaches. After talking with the coaches myself, I realized this was the right place. The opportunities we have here as student-athletes are incredible, from training and traveling to competing against some of the best programs in the country."
 
Paulsson, who helped lead East Bay to a national championship appearance last season, says the journey has been deeply rewarding. "What inspires me the most is having the opportunity to study and play the sport I love," she said. "Coming from Europe, you don't get the same kind of college sports culture, so I really appreciate every part of this experience."
 
She's driven by progress both on the course and in the classroom. "Being a student-athlete allows me to become the best version of myself," Paulsson said. "I try to get a little better every day, whether it's improving my swing or studying for an exam. Seeing the results of that work is what keeps me motivated."
 
When asked what keeps her grounded, Paulsson pointed to her teammates and coaches. "My teammates inspire me every day," she said. "We push each other constantly, we compete, but we also support each other. Last year, all that hard work led us to Nationals, and that experience motivates me to keep working hard this season."
 
Off the course, Paulsson studies business management, with plans to take over her family's company in Sweden after graduation. "My vision for the future is to return home and run my dad's business," she said. "What I've learned at East Bay both in the classroom and from golf will help me so much. Golf has taught me how to lead, how to work with different personalities, and how to stay composed under pressure. Those lessons are going to help me in business too."
 
But her success has come through perseverance. "Golf can be a roller coaster," she admitted. "You can feel amazing one week and completely lose confidence the next. That happened to me last year. I struggled for a few months, started doubting myself, and even felt afraid to hit certain shots. But I refused to give up. My coaches and teammates were there for me, reminding me that I was capable. I worked even harder, and it all paid off when I qualified for Nationals and played one of my best rounds when it mattered most."
 
Oscar Blomqvist – Jr. – Men's Golf
 
For Oscar Blomqvist, joining the Pioneers fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing golf in the United States.
 
"I've always dreamed of coming to the U.S. to play golf and study at the same time," Blomqvist said. "Growing up in Sweden, that's not something many people get to do. I didn't know what to expect before coming here, but I've loved it since day one. The facilities are great, the team and coaches are awesome, and I feel really lucky to be part of this program."
 
Blomqvist first learned about East Bay through a close friend. "One of my best friends, Melker Bäckström, connected me with the coaches and told me great things about the program," he said. "I'm super thankful for that, I wouldn't be here without him. It's been everything I hoped for and more."
 
Like Paulsson, Blomqvist says the experience of being a student-athlete in the U.S. is something he'll always treasure. "Honestly, what inspires me most is getting to study and play golf almost every day and doing it with my teammates and friends," he said. "I know I won't be able to do this forever, so I try to make the most of it. I want to enjoy every moment and have fun with it. Even when things get serious, I try to remember why I started playing, because I love it."
 
Blomqvist's growth as both an athlete and a person has been shaped by the discipline required to balance academics and competition. "Being a student-athlete takes a lot of time management, dedication, and discipline," he said. "But I think it's made me a more well-rounded person. It teaches you to handle challenges and stay focused even when things don't go your way."
 
While he's still exploring his future career path, Blomqvist knows golf will always play a part. "I'm not completely sure what I want to do yet," he said. "But one thing I know for sure is that golf will always be part of my life. Whether I'm playing competitively or just for fun, it's something I'll never stop doing."
 
His time at East Bay hasn't always been smooth sailing. "My first year was tough," Blomqvist recalled. "I was struggling with my golf game and the mental side of things. I put a lot of pressure on myself, and it stopped feeling fun. On top of that, I was trying to adjust to a new country and culture."
 
But his perspective began to change when he started focusing less on results and more on the experience. "It took me a while, but I realized golf should be something I look forward to, not something that stresses me out," he said. "Once I started thinking that way, everything changed. I kept working hard and slowly found joy in the game again. My family, friends, and coaches supported me the whole time, and I'm super thankful for that."
 
That hard work led to one of his proudest moments as a Pioneer, qualifying for Nationals with his teammates. "Getting to compete at Nationals was amazing," Blomqvist said. "It was one of those moments where everything, all the work, all the ups and downs felt worth it."
 
Together, Paulsson and Blomqvist embody the Pioneer spirit. Their journeys from Sweden to Hayward reflect not only their commitment to golf, but also their growth as students, teammates, and leaders.
 
"I think what makes this place special is the people," Paulsson said. "We have such a strong sense of community, everyone here wants to see you succeed."
 
Blomqvist agreed. "East Bay feels like a second home," he said. "I've made lifelong friends, learned so much, and had the chance to represent something bigger than myself. That's what being a Pioneer is all about."