The day begins early for Coach Anderson and his beloved dog Theo. As the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecock Women’s Golf team, Anderson is no stranger to the high demands of preparing for a national stage, and this week is no different. With the NCAA Regionals on the horizon, the Gamecocks are entering their final stretch of preparation, and Theo, ever loyal, is by his side, offering a calm presence amidst the hustle.
Theo, a spirited yet laid-back Golden Retriever, has become more than just a pet around the team’s headquarters. He’s a symbol of balance, providing Coach Anderson with both companionship and a reminder to take things one step at a time. Throughout the week leading up to the Regionals, Theo’s presence has woven itself into the daily routine, offering both levity and focus to the team.
Each morning, Theo and Coach Anderson start their day with a peaceful walk around the grounds of the university’s training facility. It’s a ritual that Anderson has grown fond of, using this quiet time to mentally prepare for the long day ahead. As the rest of the team is either arriving at the practice course or wrapping up early morning workouts, Theo is by Anderson’s side, strolling with the coach and providing a moment of solace before the day’s intensity sets in.
“It’s important for me to start the day with a clear mind,” says Anderson. “Theo and I have this routine, and it really helps me prepare mentally. As a coach, you have to be ready for anything. Whether it’s offering strategy, motivation, or just being a listening ear, you need to have that focus. Theo has a way of grounding me, and I think the players can sense that when they arrive.”
Once the walk is over, Theo enjoys a hearty breakfast—typically a healthy dog food mix with a side of treats, ensuring he’s ready for the long day ahead. In fact, his appetite for adventure seems to mirror the determination of the team. The Gamecocks are no strangers to hard work, and with NCAA Regionals just around the corner, every practice is an opportunity to refine their skills, bond as a team, and push themselves closer to their goal.
By the time the players hit the practice course, Theo has settled comfortably into his role as team mascot and unofficial therapist. While Coach Anderson works with players on course management, putting drills, and chipping exercises, Theo moves effortlessly between the team, offering gentle encouragement in the form of wagging tails and an occasional paw to a knee.
During a particularly intense chipping drill, one player, sophomore Emily Dawson, comments on how Theo’s presence helps lighten the mood. “It’s funny how much a dog can help you relax,” she says, sinking a challenging chip shot after a few failed attempts. “Theo’s just chill, and that makes it easier to focus on what we need to do. He doesn’t rush anything. He’s calm, and that makes us feel more at ease.”
As the practice intensifies, Anderson continues offering advice and guidance, but it’s clear that the team draws as much comfort from Theo’s silent support as they do from the coach’s words. As the team works on their swing mechanics, Theo takes a quiet break under a tree, watching the players with the kind of watchful gaze that only a dog can maintain. He may not fully understand the importance of NCAA Regionals, but he certainly knows the value of patience and consistency—qualities Anderson has instilled in his players throughout the season.
While the players break for lunch, Theo enjoys his own downtime. It’s a chance for the dog to relax in the shade, nibbling on snacks provided by the coaching staff and engaging in some light play. His bond with the team, particularly with the younger players, is evident as they gather around during these moments of relaxation, offering him belly rubs and playful chatter.
During this break, Coach Anderson reflects on how the dynamic between Theo and the team plays a subtle but important role in the team’s culture. “Theo is kind of like the heart of this team,” he explains. “We work hard, but we also know the importance of taking breaks and having fun. Theo reminds us of that. He’s always here for us—no matter how tough the practice is or how intense the competition might get.”
For Anderson, balancing the high demands of coaching with the need to nurture his players’ mental and emotional well-being is a delicate art. “Having Theo around, especially with all the pressure that comes with preparing for Regionals, is like having a small reminder of why we love the game,” he adds.
As the afternoon rolls around, the intensity of the practice picks up. The team is focused on their short games, and the pressure to perform mounts as they near the final stretch before the Regionals. For the players, the final drills are all about fine-tuning their skills and building the mental resilience needed to perform under the high-stakes environment that awaits them next week.
Theo, ever the loyal companion, is by the side of each player as they work through their putting strokes. He sits near the edge of the green, silently observing, yet always ready for a break between drills. “You can almost tell when the players need a quick breather,” says Coach Anderson. “They might be frustrated or tired, and that’s when Theo steps in. They’ll go over and pet him for a second, and you can see the shift in their mindset. He’s almost like a reset button for them.”
Theo’s calming presence continues to weave through every moment of the day. As the team finishes up their final rounds of practice, with the sun setting over the course, players can be heard laughing and chatting with Theo as they pack up their gear. The sense of camaraderie and community is palpable, and it’s easy to see how Theo has become an integral part of the Gamecock Women’s Golf family.
As the day winds down and the team prepares for their next round of practice, Coach Anderson takes a moment to reflect on the invaluable role Theo has played in the season thus far.
“Theo isn’t just a pet to me. He’s a part of the team,” he says with a smile. “When the pressure’s on, and everyone is trying to focus on their game, having him around gives us that reminder that it’s okay to take a step back, breathe, and remember why we’re here in the first place—to enjoy the game and challenge ourselves. If we can do that, everything else will fall into place.”
For the Gamecocks, the final days leading up to NCAA Regionals will be filled with preparation, strategy, and mental conditioning. But through it all, Theo remains a constant source of support and joy for the team. Whether it’s during practice, lunch breaks, or the final moments of the day, his presence serves as a reminder that success isn’t just about the final score—it’s about enjoying the process and trusting in one another.
