First-year head coach Jenny Coluccio was hired in June and is beginning to get settled in her new role. She sat down recently to discuss her transition heading into the 2018-19 campaign.

What are you looking forward to in your role as the head coach of the women's golf program?

Coluccio: There's a lot that I'm looking forward to. From an immediate point of view, I can't wait for the team to get back to campus! Continuing to build our relationships and foundation for our team culture moving forward. On the golf side, I am excited about what this team is capable of and their energy to get the season started. Long term I am looking forward to building our community relationships, support and all the potential our program possesses.  
 
What attracted you to taking this job?

Coluccio: The overwhelming support for golf in Toledo, from our relationship with Inverness, having the LPGA Marathon Classic in town each summer, to Toledo having its own Junior Golf Association. Toledo loves golf and is passionate about the future of the game. There is tremendous support for the Rockets and the athletic department as a whole.
 
What have your previous experiences as an assistant women's golf coach at the University of Illinois and the head coach men's and women's coach at the University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) taught you?

Coluccio: Where do I start? Being a head coach so young at Sioux Falls and coaching both men's and women's programs taught me a lot about investing in the players. They long for a mentorship and relationship with their coaches, and we can have a great impact on them through those relationships. I have enjoyed seeing many former players begin their professional and family lives since then. At Illinois, I really learned a lot about the management of a program from Renee (Slone). She was a good mentor to me through that process. We had fabulous facilities, but we needed to be resourceful as well. Remembering it's not about what you have but how you use it that will make you better.  I will utilize many of my past experiences with our program here at Toledo. We've already hit the ground running/sprinting!
 
Do you have a recruiting philosophy that you will follow?

Coluccio: We are looking for athletes with a hunger to improve, team players, possess a growth mindset and are a great fit with UT. Where are we going to be looking to recruit from? Our goal is to have a diverse roster with players from Ohio and the region, as well as nationally and internationally. I envision a diverse team with various cultures because we will continue to develop together learning about a variety of cultures together.
 
What is your philosophy as far as determining what type of schedule your teams will face?

Coluccio: I believe a schedule should have a three-tiered approach if possible. In addition to providing a good experience to our players, I want to put them in tournaments where they learn how to win (as this program has done consistently), are challenged to post strong rounds to win, and finally are facing teams who will really challenge our abilities. Also, playing in different areas of the country as well to prepare for post-season play.
 
Have you been able to learn much about the team during your brief time as head coach?

Coluccio: I have been able to regularly talk with the players and Sathika (Ruenreong) has been a wonderful teacher for all things Toledo and the team. She took on a lot of responsibility, managed it quite well and I really appreciate it. Our team is filled with high quality individuals, eager to learn and improve in everything they set out to do. We are all eager to begin working together!