ROCKLIN, Calif. – After a nationwide search, Jessup Athletics is pleased to announce that Seth Heppner has been named the next head coach for the men's and women's golf programs. Heppner will be moving cross-country as he leaves Tampa, Fla., to set up new roots in Northern California.
Heppner will officially take the reins of the program in May, as Jessup is in the final month of its final NAIA season.
On the hiring of Heppner, Vice President of Athletics Lance Von Vogt stated, "We went into this national search looking for somebody who embodied who we were as a school. Someone who emphasizes Christ-centered higher education while competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics. We found that in Seth. He has a passion for Christ and a passion for coaching college golf."
Heppner played collegiate golf at the NCAA Division II level for the University of Minnesota-Crookston, and it was there that he began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach. Heppner spent six years on the staff, ending his tenure in Minnesota in 2022 to move to a warmer climate in Florida.
Tampa is where Heppner currently calls home, as he has been a Golf Performance Coach for IMG Academy since 2022.
He is now making another long-distance move, as he will soon call Rocklin home. Heppner made his first visit to Rocklin last week as he got his first in-person look at the campus, along with Jessup's home course, Lincoln Hills Golf Club.
"Having the opportunity to join the family at Jessup is truly a blessing," said Heppner. "An institution that is passionate about loving God and being able to use him as an avenue to connect and help these student-athletes grow is something truly special and unique."
Heppner takes over the program following head coach Isaac Sanchez's resignation earlier in the spring. Sanchez began his tenure with the Warriors in the summer of 2021.
"Our golf program is in good hands moving forward as Seth will be able to build on the strong foundation that Isaac Sanchez laid over the past couple of years," added Von Vogt.
Heppner also complimented Sanchez on his time with the Warriors, adding, "I can't thank coach Isaac and the rest of the staff enough for setting the stage and putting the program in a great spot for continued growth and success. I couldn't be more excited about what God has planned here at Jessup, and I truly believe that with his guidance, the sky is the limit for this program."
The 2024-25 season will be year one for the Warriors as a competing member of NCAA Division II. Jessup will call the PacWest Conference home.
Jessup Golf will wrap up their final NAIA season next week when they compete in the 2024 GSAC Championship in Sun City West, Ariz.
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Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).
