Kansas' best JV golfer is ineligible to play varsity. Here's why

Rule 18, Article 12, Section B states that foreign exchange students can not be eligible for varsity activities for a second year.

“Should a student from a foreign country on an F-1 or J-1 Visa attend a member school as the result of participation in a foreign exchange academic program for a second academic year, regardless of the length of attendance in the first academic year, that student shall, for purposes of this rule, be treated as all other students who change schools. If there is not an accompanying move on the part of the students’ parents, the student will be ineligible for interschool extracurricular activities for one calendar year for grades 9-12, eighteen weeks for grades 7-8, beginning with the first day of his or her attendance.”

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Hayden senior Mateo Garcia finishes his drive off hole 11 at Western Hills Golf Course on April 29, 2026.

It’s a rule that is rarely put into question, KSHSAA’s Assistant Executive Director Jeremy Holaday said. It’s put into effect to avoid consistent overseas recruiting.

“Ultimately, some fear that potentially you are getting a ton of foreign exchange students to take the place of other kids,” Holaday said. “It’s rare enough that if it’s something our schools felt like needed to change, we would have someone propose a change.”

Garcia enjoyed his first year at Hayden so much that he wanted to return for his final high school season. Once he was settled last fall, Garcia and Lee were introduced to this KSHSAA law.

“Most foreign exchange kids do not play varsity sports, so it's never an issue,” Lee said. "It's a rare thing and an odd occurrence.”

Lee said it hurt Garcia’s spirit when he realized that he couldn’t play varsity golf.

Since Garcia has been in Topeka, his goal has been to play golf at the next level and earn a college scholarship. Without varsity golf, the chances of college coaches discovering him diminish.

“I was a little bit upset,” Garcia said. “It’s KSHSAA’s rules, so there is nothing that I can do. I was really excited because I thought I could play varsity this year. When they told me that I couldn't play varsity, I was kind of sad.”

Hayden senior Mateo Garcia chips up to the green of hole 11 at Western Hills Golf Course on April 29, 2026.

Despite playing junior varsity, Hayden’s varsity squad has worked its hardest to keep Garcia involved and not isolated. Throughout the season, Garcia has been practicing with Hayden’s top players in Carter Compton and Austin Bean.

“As a team, it hurts; he’s one of our better golfers,” Compton said. “For him, he comes over here to the States and wants to have a good opportunity to showcase his ability and try to play college golf.”

Bean and Garcia have become really close friends. Entering the year, Bean and Garcia would have been battling for the No. 1 role. The pair have worked hard to push each other to become better players.

“When they told me that he couldn’t play, I was bummed,” Bean said. "I'm still glad he’s out here, though. It's fun to play against someone that pushes me to play up to his standards, his level.”

According to Kansas Golf Scores, Garcia has fired rounds of 3-over and 5-over par during two junior varsity tournaments this spring.

Hayden senior Mateo Garcia smiles after nailing a putt for par on hole 11 at Western Hills Golf Course on April 29, 2026.

While this season has provided some bumps in the road for Garcia, his spirits remain high. He’s received a college scholarship from Ottawa University and continues to share his contact information with colleges across the country.

Garcia just needs a chance to showcase his skills.

As the end of the year looms, Garcia is appreciative of everyone who has been in his corner.

“It’s all about the friendships that I’ve built," Garcia said. “The golf team has been so kind to me, and it's been a really nice experience.”

Liam Keating covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Meet Mateo Garcia, Hayden's star golfer from Mexico