A Conversation with Women’s Golf’s Inaugural Head Coach

Saint Joseph's University announced the addition of women’s golf as a varsity sport beginning in the fall of 2024, bringing the University’s offering of Division I intercollegiate athletic programs to 21. Women's golf is the first addition for sports on Hawk Hill since the inclusion of women's soccer during the 1996-97 academic year. 

Theresa Luu, BBA ’22, will serve as the first head coach. As an undergraduate, Luu was a four-year letterwinner with the club golf program and served as the team president for two years. Not only is Luu a knowledgeable teacher of golf and a passionate alumna of Saint Joseph’s, she also shares the mission and vision for the University’s athletics program. Luu is eager to create a supportive and motivating environment so that every Hawk can reach their full potential. 

What does being the first head coach for Saint Joseph's women's golf program mean to you?

This is a dream come true. … Not only is this a great addition to SJU athletics, but also to women’s golf as a whole. It is a step in the right direction to grow the game of golf for females. Additionally, being the first head coach allows me to be able to build the program in a way that instills the values of hard work, perseverance and determination, both on and off the golf course.

What have you learned from your time at St. Joe's that you plan to pass on as a coach?

My time at Saint Joseph's has been influential in shaping my understanding about the Jesuit values and the concept of cura personalis — care for the entire person. This principle emphasizes the importance of the holistic development of one's physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social well-being. As a coach, I plan to pass on these lessons by creating a culture within my team that prioritizes the well-being and development of each athlete.

What is your primary focus as you build our women's golf program?

To create a culture of women empowerment, grit and determination. I want to focus on serving as a mentor and advocate for success in academics, athletics and personal development for each player, empowering them to excel not only in golf but also in their future endeavors beyond collegiate athletics.

Tell us about your personal experience with golf.

I started playing golf when I was 7 years old, joining golf camp as the only female golfer. However, I did not let that deter me from the sport; I pushed myself hard each and every day, knowing that I had to train harder in the gym to gain my distance and be present on the golf course to build my confidence. I traveled and played on the junior tours: AJGA, Hurricane Tour, NJPGA, Philly PGA and other local tournaments. I found my love for coaching through being a coach at my course, Town and Country, which eventually led to me obtaining my LPGA Professional Teaching Certification. I am excited to be one of the young female professionals and to live out my dream of having a huge impact on women’s golf.