The Valparaiso University men's golf program has officially announced the addition of Brayden Fetzer (Trumbull, Conn. / Fairfield Prep [IMG Academy]), who has joined head coach Dave Gring's team for the 2025-26 season.
 
Fetzer's golf experience includes a first-place finish at the HJGT Southwest Open in November 2023 and a third-place finish at the HJGT Connecticut Summer Kickoff in June 2024. He also placed third in the HJGT Tampa Bay Junior Open in September 2024. Fetzer has been playing on the West Florida professional golf tour, finishing tied for 11^th in the Palm Aire Masters in November.
 
"Our team is thrilled to welcome Brayden Fetzer to our program," Gring said. "Brayden comes from the acclaimed IMG Academy in Florida. He has played a high-quality, competitive schedule and he's been the recipient of some excellent coaching for the past two years. Brayden had the unique opportunity to play in some professional tournaments during that time-frame as an amateur. He even played in the same 3-some with Caleb VanArragon '24 a year ago. I'm excited about the experience that he brings to the table, already as a young player."
 
In addition to his prowess on the golf course, Fetzer played varsity lacrosse and football as a high school freshman, earning the Freshman MVP Award in lacrosse. He enjoys action sports such as snowboarding, mountain biking and dirt biking.
 
"I'm very impressed with the athleticism that Brayden demonstrates," Gring said. "He has competed at an extremely high level as a youth in snowboarding and lacrosse. Brayden has tremendous power and flexibility, which translates very well to clubhead/ball speed. He's also a quick learner, with excellent course management skills and playing to his strengths. Most importantly, Brayden comes from a wonderful family who has been a tremendous support system for him growing-up and his sports. There's a lot of encouragement and love that comes from his family and that gives him a strong mental game. Brayden completes our incoming freshmen class and we welcome him to the Valpo Family!"
 
Fetzer, who possesses a wide range of athletics experience, was ranked in the top three in the country in snowboarding for 10- to 13-year-olds for three straight years. From seventh grade to his sophomore year of high school, he played for the number one premier lacrosse team in the country. He can do a backflip on a scooter, skateboard, bike, rollerblades, snowboard and skis. He has been able to do a backflip himself since age 5. He has quickly ascended to the Division-I level in golf after beginning the sport just over three years ago.