Jim Socha Named Women's Golf Head Coach

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Viterbo University has officially announced Jim Socha as the second Head Women's Golf Coach in school history. Socha will succeed Ken Barrett, following his 16 years of service that began with the V-Hawks inaugural season in 2007.

Socha takes the helm of the Women's program in addition to Viterbo's Men's Golf team, which he has been the head coach of since their first season in 2007. Socha coached one NAIA All-American, an MCC Individual Champion, 16 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 26 All-Conference performers, and a team that has spent time in the NAIA Top-25 national polls.

"It's an exciting challenge to work with both golf teams moving forward," said Socha. "Our women's and men's teams have a chance to have special seasons."

Socha has also spent the last 14 years coaching the V-Hawks Men's and Women's Bowling teams, where he helped produce two conference Players of the Year, a GLBC Newcomer of the Year, 17 All-Conference bowlers, 25 NCBCA Academic All-Americans on the women's side and the 2010-11 MCC Newcomer of the Year, four All-Conference Bowlers, and 24 NCBCA Academic All-Americans with the men. A new bowling coach will be hired.

"It's been a pleasure to have coached our bowlers over the last 14 years. Viterbo has so many high character student-athletes, it's amazing," continued Socha.

The V-Hawks return First-Team All-NSAA performer Caylee Beyer, as well as Second-Team Golfers Lilia Rather, Ariel Heuer, and Rylee Haines.

 "First, I want to thank Coach Barrett for leading our women's golf program during the last 16 years.  He did a great job and I'm grateful for his work," said Athletics Director Barry Fried. 

"After much thought and consideration, I felt strongly this was the right time to restructure our programs so our golf programs (and our bowling programs) both have a full-time coach that could focus solely on those sports.  Our college golfers and bowlers need and deserve a full-time coach dedicated to their respective sport just like the rest or our intercollegiate sports."

"Given Jim's 17 years of coaching experience, deep knowledge of golf and his familiarity and commitment to Viterbo, he is the right person at the right time to lead our golf programs.   I'm excited about the future of our golf (and bowling programs) and have no doubt this new structure will benefit both our golf program and our bowling program."

Socha officially took over his new responsibilities last week.