By Mason Nesbitt, Sports Information Director
The Master’s University will launch a women’s golf program, with the team set to begin competing during the 2019-2020 school year.

This marks the 16th intercollegiate sport offered by Master’s, which recently unveiled women’s beach volleyball.

Jacob Hicks, TMU’s men’s golf coach and a standout golfer while at NCAA Division 1 East Carolina University, will also coach the Mustang women’s team.

The program will benefit from its location. The Santa Clarita Valley is home to several pristine golf courses.

“We’re very excited to have coach Hicks leading the women’s golf program,” said TMU Athletic Director Kelvin Starr. “He has done a tremendous job with our men’s program since taking over. Exciting times for TMU.”

Said Hicks, “I’m honored that the school believes in me to start this program. It’s something new, and that’s exciting for me. I’m excited to be part of the athletic department’s vision for expansion and to be able to recruit women to come and receive a solid biblical education that’s extremely valuable.”

Hicks, an all-conference performer at ECU who also spent time working with College Golf Fellowship, said he’s looking for a mix of character and skill in his recruits.

“They need to have a strong desire to improve,” Hicks said.

In his first year as TMU’s men’s coach, Hicks has the Mustangs on an upward trajectory. One of the aspects of the job he’s most enjoyed has been the relationships.

“The ministry piece of it has been really fun,” Hicks said, “asking them how their walk is with the Lord, showing them where I’ve learned and how I’ve grown and sharing that with them.”

Hicks can be contacted at jhicks@masters.edu.