The NCAA Spring Sports schedule was abruptly cancelled last month due to the outbreak and fears of the spread of the coronavirus. All sports fans mourn the loss of “March Maddness,” but every college athlete in every spring sport was gut-punched by an abrupt end to their season.
Collegiate athletic coaches become much more than simply the person trying to motivate, cajole and incentivize an athlete to perform at his or her highest level. They are dealing with 18-22 year-old kids, away from home for the first time. Coaches become a surrogate parent and must wear several different hats. When they are faced with injuries, emotional stress, or other off-course problems, they must help that player deal with the situation and share in that pain.
The UT Women’s Golf Team had several off-course challenges this season and second-year coach, Jenny Coluccio is helping one of her team members battle Leukemia in the fight of her life.
Here is a Back 9 Report interview with Jenny Coluccio soon after they returned home from their final tournament in Las Vegas.
