MIAMI – FIU Athletics has named John Koskinen as head coach of its golf program, FIU Director of Athletics Scott Carr announced on Monday.
 
Koskinen arrives at FIU being quite familiar with the South Florida area having most recently served as the head coach of the women's golf team at Barry University for the 2022-23 campaign which followed a 12-year run as the associate head coach for women's golf at the University of Miami.
 
"I am very excited to have John leading our program," Carr said. "Throughout the process it became very clear that he was the right person for the job. John's familiarity with South Florida, his history of success in recruiting, and his ability to lead student-athletes to success on and off the course will take us to the next level. Our future is bright!"

Koskinen established himself as a worldwide recruiter during his stint in Coral Gables as he played a critical role in securing some of the most decorated players ever to play at the University of Miami, including Nataliya Guseva (Russia) who was the program's first-ever ACC Freshman of the Year in 2021, Daniela Darquea (Ecuador) who closed her career with the lowest career stroke average at Miami (72.8) and Dewi Weber (Netherlands) who finished runner-up at the 2015-16 NCAA National Championship.

Koskinen takes over for Joe Vogel, who has led the FIU Golf program for 17 years but will retire following the 2023-24 season. Vogel has agreed to stay on for the upcoming year as the team's assistant coach to assist in the transition for Koskinen.

"I couldn't possibly be more excited to join the FIU family," Koskinen said. "I would like to thank Scott Carr, (Senior Associate AD Julie Berg), and Coach Vogel for believing in my vision for the future of FIU Golf. This program has the potential to be one of the best in the country and I am ready for the challenge."

Under Koskinen's mentorship, former Miami standouts Darquea and Weber each graduated with honors and earned their cards on the LPGA Tour.

In addition, Koskinen helped lead the Canes to the 2015-16 NCAA National Championship for the first time since 1992.  The Hurricanes also qualified for the NCAA Regional Tournament for 12 consecutive seasons, with six players earning spots on the Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-America team. Twenty-three of his players earned spots on the WGCA Scholar All-America lists in addition to eight First-Team All-ACC selections.

Koskinen graduated from Michigan State University in 2003, excelling both athletically and academically. The kinesiology major was a two-time Academic All-America choice as well as a member of the All-Big Ten and All-Midwest Region first teams.

The Baraga, Michigan native brings a wealth of playing experience to FIU, highlighted by two appearances in the U.S. Open (2006 at Winged Foot and 2007 at Oakmont).  

Koskinen also competed on the Hooters Tour summer and winter series, finishing second on the 2006 winter series money list. While competing over 4 years, he earned 17 top 5, 29 top 10, and 40 top 20 finishes.
 
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