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Former Cal All-American Sarah Huarte entered her first season as the head coach of the University of San Francisco women's golf program August 7, 2009.The 2004 NCAA Division I Championship medalist at 10-under, Huarte spent last season as an assistant coach at UC Davis and helped two Aggies qualify for NCAA Regional play in just the program's fourth year of existence.
Huarte welcomes the opportunity to lead a talented, experienced team into action for the 2009-10 season.
"I'm really excited for the opportunity and I'm excited to work with such an experienced group of young ladies who are returning from last season," Huarte said. "I have seen these girls play and I know what quality golfers they are and how good they can be. I think that the team would agree with me when I say that our main goal is to reach the national championship."
It will be the first collegiate head coaching assignment for Huarte, who becomes the sixth head coach in USF history.
The Shingle Springs, Calif. native is excited to return to the Bay Area and lead the Dons in a demanding conference
"This is a situation I have been looking forward to for a long time, and what better of a University to start my first head coaching job than USF," Huarte said. "Being from the Bay Area makes me feel very comfortable and the familiarity of the location also is important. Competing in the West Coast Conference is huge. There are great schools with great golf programs and athletic tradition. I look forward to the challenge."
While at Davis, Huarte worked with all facets of the Aggie program under the direction of head coach Anne Walker - a former Cal teammate. Huarte worked with Alice Kim, helping the UC Davis sophomore to an eighth place showing at NCAA Nationals.
In addition to her coaching duties at UC Davis, Huarte worked as an LPGA teaching professional at the Woodcreek Golf Club in Roseville and established "Collegiate Bound Golf", a mentorship program for prospective college student-athletes.
One of the most heavily decorated golfers in Golden Bear history, Huarte was a two-time All-American at Cal, capturing honorable mention honors as a junior before seizing first team accolades after her breakthrough senior campaign in Berkeley. A three-time All-Pac-10 First Team pick, Huarte won the 2004 Honda Award as the nation's top female collegiate golfer after leading Cal to a fourth place finish in the 2004 NCAA Division I Championship - the top showing in program history.
After departing Cal, Huarte qualified for the LPGA Tour in 2007, playing in eight tournaments after spending two years on the Futures Tour (2005-06).
Huarte inherits a highly successful team coached the last two seasons by another former Cal teammate Ria Quiazon, who was named the head coach at Oregon in June. All members of last season's record-setting group return for the 2009-10 campaign.
