Marc Chandonnet has been named the new head men's and women's golf coach at Seattle University, announced Thursday by the Redhawk athletics department.
Chandonnet has been the head men's and women's golf coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State for the past year, leading the men's golf team to the 2012 Great American Conference championship, the first conference title for the Bulldog men since 1997. In addition, the Southwestern Oklahoma State women's golf team finished in third place at the 2012 Great American Conference Tournament, the highest finish for that squad since 1998.
Before taking the head job at Southwestern Oklahoma State, Chandonnet was the head women's golf coach at Grand Canyon University from 2004 through 2010. He also served as associate head men's golf coach from 2007 through 2009 before becoming director of golf until September 2010, guiding the Grand Canyon men's golf team to back-to-back Pacific West Conference championships in 2009 and 2010.
"Marc is uniquely qualified to lead our golf program during this important period of WAC membership. His success developing NCAA Top 10 men's and women's golf programs at the Division II level is most impressive," Bill Hogan, Seattle U Director of Athletics, said.
Chandonnet was also the associate athletic director for development at Grand Canyon from January 2007 through September 2010, compiling a comprehensive marketing program to help increase the athletic department's fundraising initiatives. He also provided more opportunities for alumni, staff, family, friends, and organizations to become involved with the Grand Canyon athletics department.
During his collegiate coaching career, Chandonnet has coached four All-Americans and 16 All-America Scholars as named by the National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) and the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA), including seven All-America Scholars in 2009-10. In just six months at Southwestern Oklahoma State, he raised the funds to build an 8,000-square foot short game practice area.
"I can't thank Seattle University enough for placing their faith in my ability as a coach. My wife and I have dreamed about living in the Pacific Northwest and close to family. I am excited about the opportunity to utilize my previous experience as a player and a coach to help the teams understand what they need to do to excel in the classroom, in the community and on the golf course," said Chandonnet.
Chandonnet earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design in 2003 and his Master of Science degree in leadership in 2011 from Grand Canyon University.
The Seattle University men's golf team will begin the 2012-13 season at the Dash Thomas Memorial, hosted by Boise State at The Club at SpurWing in Meridian, Idaho, Sept. 24-25, while the women's golf team will start the year at the Rose City Collegiate, hosted by Portland State at Langdon Farms Golf Club in Aurora, Ore., Oct. 1-2. Full schedules for both squads are now available on GoSeattleU.com.
