Jenteal Jackson has been promoted to head coach of the Westminster women’s golf team, Director of Athletics Shay Wyatt announced Friday. Jackson was working as the assistant coach the past two seasons after playing at Westminster from 2011—2013.
“I’m pleased to announce Jenteal Jackson has been promoted to serve as the new head coach of our women's golf program,” Wyatt said. “Providing one head coach for both our men’s and women’s golf programs has been a department goal. With our upcoming transition into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and the NCAA Division II membership process this was an opportune time to make this change. I’m confident Jenteal’s efforts moving forward will further improve our women’s golf program and experience for our student-athletes. I look forward to working with Jenteal and supporting her efforts in this new endeavor.
“I would also like to thank coach Chris Hendrickson for his work these past few years in leading our women’s golf program. This change will allow coach Hendrickson more time to effectively manage our men’s golf and alpine ski teams.”
Jackson played golf and basketball at Westminster, and she was a two-time Frontier Conference women’s golfer of the year during her time with the Griffins. She led the team to consecutive appearances at the NAIA National Championships in 2011 and 2012. Jackson holds the school record for career scoring average at 79.47 strokes, and she recorded four wins and 14 top-10 finishes in 19 career events.
“I am really grateful for this opportunity Westminster College and Shay have given me,” Jackson said. “I look forward to a great year and an exciting future as we transition into Division II and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. This transition definitely brings a higher level of competition and I'm eager to lead the team and help them rise to that challenge. I look forward to helping each player reach their full potential, on and off the course.
“I'm thankful for Chris and all he has done for the program up to this point. I truly couldn't be more excited or grateful for this opportunity; it has always been a dream of mine.”
Since graduating in 2013, Jackson has remained at the college as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball and golf teams. She will maintain her role as assistant coach with women’s basketball.
Westminster will transition to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference this year as it begins the first year of the NCAA Division II membership process. The women will open the 2015 fall season on Sept. 4, at the Weber State Invitational.